Your most frequent Insurance questions answered.

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Know Your Deductible

Question: What does it mean when you have meet your deductible? 

Answer: Most insurance policies, whether home, auto or health use this method of meeting your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $250, you must spend $250 for doctors' visits or for prescription medications before your health insurance company will start to pay. Insurance policies can have a wide variance of deductibles. We have seen them as low as $250 and as high as $50,000 (however, both of those are few and far in between) depending on the location and circumstances. A typical family household most likely has a deductible of about $1000. Here's a good explanation of why insureds are required to pay a deductible.  If something such as a computer, cell phone or tablet were stolen, there is going to be coverage for that, but the deductible may exceed the value of the loss item.

Know Your Limits

Question: Does my homeowner’s policy have any limits of coverage?

Answer: Most insurance carriers do place limits on the policies that they write to protect themselves financial.  It's equally important to know that, whether it's during a move or not, any property covered by homeowner’s insurance will only be protected up to the limits on your policy on the day the damage occurred. Your policy may also include a lower limit for your personal property while it's away from your residence premises. Another example of limits to policies would be mold removal. Many carriers choose to have $10,000 limits for claims requiring any work relating specifically to mold remediation work.

In addition, there are different standard limits depending on the category of property. An example would be jewelry or collectibles; your policy may state maximum coverage amounts for such items. However, your agent may suggest purchasing extra coverage and creating a scheduling for items that are of significant value so you get protection for them up to their appraised value, not just the standard personal property limit. No one wants to spend $15,000 for a diamond ring only to get $10,000 for it when it comes time to file a claim!

Know Your Costs

Question: How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Home?

Answer: The types and amount of coverage you need depends on many factors. These factors include your home's size, location, and amenities. Meaning there isn't a simple answer that works in every case. Hint: How much you pay for your home may not be a key factor in the cost of the cost of insurance coverage. The formula for determining good insurance coverage takes many factors like the cost to replace it if something happened.

Question: Does My Location Change the Cost of Insurance?

Answer: Geographic location often affects the type of risks your home is exposed to. For instance, if you own a home on Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard, you may be required to have different insurance coverage limits than those set by the owner of the exact same home in a neighborhood in the Taunton area of Bristol County. Why? Dwelling coverage limits are based on replacement cost, which can vary by location due to different construction or material costs in each area.

Another factor is the cost of labor and materials in different geographic areas. Since homeowner’s insurance typically helps cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding a home if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril (water, wind and fire damage are examples of peril), the amount of insurance you may need partly depends on what it would cost to complete the work in your town. Labor costs, in particular, vary significantly in different markets.

And why wouldn't you simply choose dwelling coverage limits that match the purchase price of your house? The actual labor and material costs to repair or rebuild your home could end up being less than what you paid. Or it could be costlier to rebuild your home. A local agent can help you understand the options, so you can choose the coverage that's appropriate for you.

We hope this information has taken a little of the mystery out of the frequently asked questions we receive. And because insurance policies vary so greatly, we strongly suggest that people ask their agent the specifics of their policy. And of course, if you ever need help with a water or fire damage please give us a call at 508-746-9500

FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business!!

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Call our office today to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile! 508-746-9500

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.

Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

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

Please see our example of a flooded local business that do to great planning was able to get back up and running in no time.

Do you have a plan because we do.

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up After Water Damage in Your Home

Water loss incidents can be among the most damaging situations that your residence can face because of how quickly the effects can spread from the source throughout the property. Even with a fast response to the situation like our team can provide, specialized equipment and effective drying tools are necessary immediately to prevent irreparable damage and ruin to structural elements and construction materials. Cleaning up after a water loss incident is critical to returning a property to preloss condition.

Our SERVPRO professionals have IICRC-Certifications as cleaning technicians, allowing us to seamlessly transition between vital mitigation of water damage in your home and the cleanup of the situation once this work has completed. Cleaning up after water damage can often involve physically wiping and scrubbing surfaces, but it can also entail deodorization and reducing microbial threats that could occur as well.

Much of the cleaning work that our SERVPRO team performs when recovering water loss incidents hinges on advanced tools and equipment. With indoor air quality concerns and the abundance of mold spores and other potential threats following water cleanup, we arrive with machines capable of reducing these concerns such as our hydroxyl generators and air scrubbers. With onboard HEPA filters, spores, particulates, debris, and other contaminants can get trapped and easily removed from the premises.

Many severe water loss situations require partial reconstruction and build back to restore a property entirely. Our cleaning technicians can get to work on cleaning up the dust and debris from this phase of restoration as soon as it completes. We have a team of professionals with high-powered vacuums and safe, green cleaning agents to make every portion of the property look its best.

We strive to make every restoration job as streamlined and efficient as possible. Not only does this make our team more effective overall, but it also saves our customers time and money. Whenever water loss incidents occur, trust in our SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham team to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (508) 746-9500.

Water Time line

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage it is never a good idea to wait. Check out this timeline to see what typically happens during a water damage. 

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Preventative Measures for water damages

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Any property that is damaged by fire, water, flood, storm, mold or likewise has to be remediated to its original state through the services of competent cleanup and restoration services. For residents of Plymouth, Massachusetts, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham has the best and most effective services. Staying true to their slogan, we ensure that your property, be it commercial or residential, is restored to its former glory with the damage cleanup efficiency being "Like it never even happened." Before any of these damages incur on your property, there is a long and detailed list of mitigation which can help you reduce the damage. Here’s an overview of what to do and what not to do before, during and after a water or flooding disaster hits:

 Preventive Measures Before Flooding

Whether you live in a flood zone or whether your property is prone to damage by water in any capacity; there are quite a few essential tips that can help you be prepared to face the challenge. Here’s what you can do beforehand:

• Ensure that your property is barricaded against water inflow
• Regularly check all plumbing to make sure there are no leakages
• Check floor levels and openings to put stoppage on water sources
• Make sure that vents, pipes, ducts, etc. are sealed properly
• Remove unnecessary, extra furniture and upholstery from floors
• Unplug unused appliances, fixtures, and electronics to avoid hazards

Being a leading water cleanup service in Plymouth and Wareham, MA, you can get in touch with us for further instructions, precautions, and tips on how to mitigate for flooding.

Water Damage Safety Prerequisites

Once the flood or water damage has occurred, there are quite a few safety and hazard concerns that you need to be aware of. If your property has been flooded with water, the safety of you and your family is of top priority. Here are a few things you need to take are of:

• First and foremost, ensure the safety of family and loved ones
• Check and see if it is safe to stay in and on your property
• Turn off all electrical supplies to avoid hazards in flooded spaces
• Avoid spaces where you may face a ‘slip and fall’ hazard
• Carry out only the activities which are safe for you
• Do not carry wet materials as they will be heavier when drenched

By focusing on these points, you will be able to keep your loved ones safe and prevent any accident or hazard that might happen due to negligence or carelessness.

 DIY Damage Minimization Tasks

After your property has been flooded, you can conduct a few DIY steps and tasks that will help your property and belongings from further damage. By taking these steps, your property will be better prepared for our water damage restoration in Plymouth and Wareham. These DIY steps are:

• Mop and blot excess water to remove it
• Wipe off wood furniture after removing all items from it
• Prop and remove wet cushions and upholstery
• Utilize air-conditioners and exhausts to dry the spaces
• Make sure you remove all items from floors, walls, and ceilings
• Do not interfere or touch electrical appliances or fixtures

  Through taking these small steps, you can save a lot of your property and belongings before professional help arrives. We are a trusted name in water removal service. Our services are efficient as we use latest technology, machinery, and techniques to restore your commercial or residential spaces back to how it was.

   If you have more questions or inquiries about our water removal service give us a call at (508) 746-9500.

How old is your water heater

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Often times homeowners aren't aware that a Hot Water Heater is about to fail. Most often you are met with water running out from under your foundation, or garage!

While you can't be sure when failure will occur, there ARE signs you can keep an eye out for.

 Knowing the age of your water heater is one way, which can be located by looking at the manufacture sticker on the upper portion of the water heater.

Example if the Serial number is F051052638, the "F" represents the month, since "F' is the sixth letter of the alphabet it was manufactured in the month of June.

The next two numbers represent the year. Since 05 are the two numbers following the "F" this means the hot water heater was built in 2005.

A good rule of thumb: Most hot water heaters over 10 years old have lived a useful life and should be considered for replacement.

If you have suffered a Hot Water Tank failure, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is at your service to assist with YOUR water clean up! 

Available 24/7

SERVPRO can extract the water and dry your basement quickly

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can extract the water and dry your basement quickly

When floodwater enters a basement, it is vital to get the water out of the area as fast as possible. This is particularly true for basements as many do not have sump pumps or enough drainage. The longer the water stands, the more it degrades, and the more dangerous it becomes to handle due to bacteria and other harmful elements.

Why Should I Outsource the Cleanup of Flood Damage to My Basement?

SERVPRO technicians take special care to remove the flood damage in Plymouth area homes. Common issues homeowners deal with when this type of water loss happens can include:
    •    The flooring of all types tends to take a beating and often requires removal to dry the concrete substrate underneath
    •    Wet contents that require relocation to another area for drying
    •    Standing water
    •    Damaged sheetrock in finished basements

How the Professional Extraction and Drying Process Works

The techs test the water so they can identify any harmful elements they are dealing with. SERVPRO technicians use portable pumps most often unless the water is greater than two inches in depth. In those cases, submersible units can get the job done rapidly. Most flooring requires removal and disposal, exposing the substrate for drying. Because most basements do not have the same ventilation as the rest of a home, the drying process can need a large number of air movers and multiple dehumidifiers to rapidly reduce the interior humidity levels.

Final Cleaning for a Complete Restoration

After the drying phase completed, the techs wipe down the water loss area with antimicrobials or antibacterial cleaning agents as needed. This leaves surfaces sanitized and ready for reuse by the residents.

When intense storms deliver flood damage to local properties, the certified technicians at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 are ready to come to your residence 24/7 and make the water loss “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Sewage loss

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage damage is the most dangerous form of water cleanup. The possibility of blood-born pathogens and other contaminants is high. Should you suffer a sewage loss, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham would like to share a few tips.

1: Advise any and all occupants that they should leave/evacuate the space.

2: Inspect for any possible hazards that might be in the environment, "I.E" electrical plugs that might be in contact with the loss.

3: Do not walk in the area of the loss to avoid cross contamination and try to clean yourself.

Let the experts help you. SERVPRO of The Bridgewaters have certified technicians that will do the following.

1: Pump out the water and sewage.

3: Remove all unsalvageable materials from from the space including carpet, pads, flooring, drywall and effected contents.

4: Set up containment barrier if need be to prevent cross contamination. 

5: Clean and deodorize the area.

When you call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at 508-746-9500 you can be assured that we will take care of your loss "Like it never even happened."

Is there mold in your GYM?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

When your Plymouth gym meets the conditions for mold growth, these situations can develop quickly and cause potential problems for your patrons.

With a humid continental climate for most of the year in Plymouth, structures like your gym can often battle the conditions necessary to support the growth and spread of mold colonies. Microbial threats can become a substantial concern for structures, especially high-traffic facilities like your gym. With the potential for volatile organic compounds circulating in the environment from growing and thriving colonies, gym patrons can become directly impacted by these potential health hazards.

While there are many mold removal companies in Plymouth, this term can be misleading to the work that occurs. Our SERVPRO team has experienced Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) on our roster to address mold concerns by removing active colonization and not quite entirely removing mold spores from the facility. Despite proper ventilation, as you would expect in your gym, these humid conditions of the environment or mismanaged water damages can result in facilitating mold growth, threatening both the structure, contents while causing possible health effects to its patrons simultaneously. Our responding remediators' objective is to first determine the severity of the current colonization to address it directly with cleaning and demolition strategies.

How Bad Is the Mold Colonization?

Moist surfaces and areas of your gym can support the development and growth of mold spores. Because mold colonization might not be visible on surface materials for up to 10 days from the onset of mold growth on agreeable materials, by the time property owners become aware of colonies, it is already a widespread concern. Even at this stage, where microbial organisms and fungi can be identified with the naked eye, environmental testing and moisture detection can help determine the full extent of this condition. Finding moisture pockets and damp materials beyond the surface can indicate other areas suitable for mold growth and spread. Some of the tools, technologies, and tactics for identifying these areas include:

• Moisture Meters
• Thermal Imagery
• Controlled Demolition
• Hygrometers

What Are the Main Concerns with Continued Mold Presence?

Understanding the impact that mold growth can have on your gym and its patrons can help you appreciate your need for professional mold remediation companies like our SERVPRO team. There are multiple significant concerns associated with the development, spread, and continued existence of mold in your training facility. The primary issues of microbial threats are:

• Structural Deterioration – Despite much of the framework in your gym being metal studs and tracks installed to the subflooring, materials like flooring, drywall, and ceiling tiles can deteriorate from hosting mold colonies and providing a food source for their growth. 
• Health Hazards – Proximity to active colonization puts your gym patrons in contact with volatile organic compounds produced by the organism. As stated earlier, health effects can result.
• Health Code Violations – The presence of mold in your business can not only harm your reputation but can force your doors closed through edicts from local governing offices until the situation gets resolved. Containment happening quickly can prevent this temporary closure at times. 
• We suggest, if not mandated, that an independent IH industrial hygienist sample the air, if not before treatment, then awards to ensure that the remediation was successful.

What Can SERVPRO Remediators Do to Help?

The removal of colonies from your business requires a combination of tactics and equipment. Remediating seeks to remove the organism without impacting the hosting material, if possible. In severe exposures, removing and discarding the damaged structural elements is often the only suitable solution to efficiently return the gym to preloss condition. Remediation strategies include:

• Sanding
• Air scrubbers with HEPA filters
• Soda Blasting
• Surface Cleaning
• Controlled Demolition

Does the Gym Have to Close?

Whenever decisions are made about keeping the business going throughout restoration or remediation services, the customer and staff safety and well-being must remain top priorities. For isolated mold developments, appropriate containment barriers and immediate remediation work can allow the business to keep functioning in a limited capacity. When mold and microbial threats are more widespread, containment might not be feasible in communal areas used most heavily by your members. With experienced remediation technicians and in-house contractors, we can complete colony removal and repairs more efficiently to reduce profits lost with your business closed.

The presence of mold colonies on susceptible surfaces and equipment in your gym can threaten the structure, staff, and members using the facility. Remediation is a sound solution to address both the presence of mold in the building as well as its impact on contents and structural elements to make it "Like it never even happened." Give our SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham team a call today at (508) 746-9500.

Commercial Claim Costs

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Producing an Accurate Estimate for Commercial Fire Damage Restoration is Essential to Allow Plymouth Businesses to Plan and Account for Insurance Claims.

How are commercial claim costs calculated?

Fires affect hundreds of small, medium-sized, and large businesses in the Plymouth area every year. These can occur in restaurant kitchens, electronics shops, and retail outlets. We understand that as a business owner, getting the first idea of the costs of your claim is essential to your business planning. The expense of your restoration depends on the cleanability of the property. Replacing, resurfacing, or reconstructing is where the high costs of recovery occur. SERVPRO works to restore rather than replace and test smoke residues to gain an accurate idea of which areas can be cleaned and which may need replacement. By conducting rigorous tests, your business can avoid being charged for restoring items that ultimately need replacing.

How accurate are testing estimates?

When we conduct commercial fire damage restoration for Plymouth businesses, we generally provide testing equipment for estimators. These equipment include safety equipment like respirator masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as pH paper and brushing or scraping tools. To distinguish between restorable and replaceable items requires an ongoing assessment of smoke residues. We may scrape tiles or hard surfaces to assess damage underneath. Melted plastics, such as those found on commercial cooking appliances, can often be agitated with steel wool to see if melting can be restored. SERVPRO also includes cleaning chemicals that can be tested on discrete areas of walls or furniture in your business to see how active smoke residues are to chemical action.

How do estimate tests help restoration technicians?

- Tagging of items as a claim or damaged inform whether to restore or replace
- Caution tape may be placed to indicate potential hazards
- Markers to delineate work which can be useful during inventory

A fire estimate can help your business to process the costs of your claim. Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for commercial restoration services.

Use SERVPRO Fire Restoration Technicians to Professionally Clear Your Plymouth Home

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Use SERVPRO Fire Restoration Technicians to Professionally Clear Your Plymouth Home

Most residential fires, like yours, are usually restricted to one part of a home. The origin point is usually a cooking fire in the kitchen or from improperly stored chemicals and cleaning rags in the garage. These locations are where the physical damage is at its worst, such as scorching and other damage from the heat and flames. If the fire burns in your home long enough, it can send smoke, soot, and larger particles throughout the home, which can cause further physical and other damage.

How can SERVPRO protect my home while removing Fire Debris

For fire debris removal in homes, SERVPRO Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) lay down a layer of thick plastic so that we do not grind burnt particles into what might be an, otherwise, undamaged carpet. Once that is in place, the FSRTs take the next steps: 

• Inspect the structural and personal property for items that cannot be cleaned or repaired
• Carefully bag everything small enough before removing it from your home
• Break down more substantial items into smaller pieces for easier removal. Where possible, they disassemble an item (a bookcase for example) to avoid accidentally injuring themselves or causing further damage through demolition
• Place all debris into a skip as quickly as possible for removal to a dumpsite.

What about all of this Smoke and Soot Residue in my home?

We can remove that too. After removing scorched items from properties like wall framing, couches, and ceiling fans, our FSRTs move in to perform the following tasks: 

• Where residues are dry and powdery, specialists wipe down everything with dry sponges and cloths. If this does not remove everything, they spray a small amount of water or mild cleaning agent to break up the residue. They repeat this step until the property is clear of smoke and soot residue.
• For wet or sticky residues, our specialists use a stronger cleaning agent to break these down. As with the dry residues,
• If the residues have strongly bonded to a surface, our specialists have another option. If the surface is easily scratched or gouged, FSRTs use a soft-bristled brush to work out the residues. If the surface is stone or brick, they use wire brushes or powered agitation device to dig the residue out of the surface and break it apart for removal.

Fire Damage is Not Only Physical 

Odor removal is often the last step for clean-up companies, but at SERVPRO, it is a part of every step in our restoration process. Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) train specifically to eliminate the smell of smoke and other residues that can appear after extinguishing a fire. 

• They use cleaning agents specially designed to neutralize odor particles left on otherwise clean surfaces.
• For odors that penetrated the surface of items such as wall framing and other structural property, they sand down the top layers and remove the dust until the odor dissipates.
• If the odor deeply penetrated structural or personal property, they use an ozone generator to create a gas that penetrates to the same depth as the odor particles. The ozone binds with and eradicates the odor particles.

How Expensive is Restoration?  

Restoration can be costly, depending on the item. It is, however, the only way to keep a piece of furniture or something else passed done over the generations. That is why our office has Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technicians (UFCTs) and Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) for particular tasks: 

• UFCTs use specialty tools like injectors that attack smoke and soot residues by deeply penetrating fabric on couches and chairs. These devices are also used by OCTs to eliminate odors in the same items.
• WRTs train to remove water damage on the property caused by efforts to extinguish the fire. For example, on wood furniture, they use air movers to evenly dry paint and veneer that was accidentally soaked to lift water spots and other damage. 

Does SERVPRO Keep Track of Everything Removed and Replaced or Restored?

Our team leaders maintain a detailed list of their actions on each home we service. That includes a complete inventory of each piece of structural and personal property removed. For restorable items, they keep a list of them and the actions taken to perform the task. This inventory is beneficial when it comes time to deal with your insurance carrier. 

For fast, professional, and thorough removal of fire damage in your home, use our experts at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. No matter the size of the fire, one of our teams is ready 24/7 to clear and clean your residence. Contact us at (508) 746-9500 today to schedule a service call.

Important steps to follow if you have a fire

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

We’re always told that if disaster strikes, we are to remain calm, cool and collected, but when that time hits, it’s hard to always put those words to action. Although there is a lot of chaos in that moment, it is still very important to stay organized and calm from the beginning of the disaster to the end of the restoration. According to ldr4service.com, there are steps we can take to stay organized and calm during these tense times.

Steps to clearing the chaos –

• First, call your insurance agent to get the claim filed as soon as possible to get the insurance adjustor to your home.
• Next, call your local SERVPRO team to assess the damage as soon as possible and get working on the damage so it does not get worse over time.
• Keep a binder and notepad with all of the information that you’re receiving from your insurance provider and restoration professionals. (During this hectic time, don’t rely on remembering everything just off the top of your head)
• Last, but not least, make sure to save all receipts and documentation you receive pertaining to the incident and only give copies when requested; keep the originals.

Now that we’ve gone through the steps to do, here are some steps NOT to do when involved in this situation. 

• Make sure not to wire any soot damage from walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces. 
• Do not keep or use carpet or furniture that has been heavily damaged by the residue as this is unhealthy.
• Dispose of any canned goods or food items that were exposed to the extreme heat.
• Do not turn on any electronic devices until they’re thoroughly inspected by a professional to make sure there isn’t electrical damage.

Hopefully no one will ever have to go through these events, but if it does occur, these steps will help you keep that calm and collected mindset to get through the unfortunate. 

Are you storm ready?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Are you Storm Aware?

As we continue to see storms throughout our Plymouth and Wareham area cities, we at SERVPRO want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be better prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham experts.

Storm tips and tricks

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

What to Do After a Severe Storm Hits Your Property

In New England, the northeaster storms are a recurring event which leave behind a devastating damage. This includes property damage on both commercial and residential properties of residents in the Greater Plymouth County Area including Plymouth and Wareham, MA. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, with its disaster team, is always ready to help you out with any and all kinds of storm damage restoration. Our team of professional, skilled and competent crew is trained to handle your property proficiently and deliver the best and desired results to you. We understand that storm damage can become a cause for water, mold and even fire damage. Don’t worry, we offer all the services needed to recover under our company’s umbrella and we’re ready to restore your property so effectively that the damage will seem "Like it never even happened."

Here’s a list of useful tips for properly inspecting and restoring storm damage at your house or commercial premises:

Useful Tips on Inspection and Immediate Restoration  

First and foremost, keep in mind that if you have been evacuated don’t take the chance and stay at your property to handle protecting efforts on your own during the storm. Always wait for the official authorities’ clearance call before getting out of your safety area. Once you have the green signal, only then invest your time and effort in inspecting and making initial restoration. We advise that you call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham before taking any action. Our professionals will guide you through what needs to be done till they reach your property.

Here’s a list of things you can do:

• Carefully inspect the house/office all over. Visit every corner of the property. Note down the intensity of damage. You may also take pictures to use for insurance. But keep in mind that you should steer clear of any and all areas that seem unsafe in any aspect.

• Do not walk into rooms or spaces that may have exposed electrical wiring, especially if that area is flooded with water. Ensure that you’ve switched off the electricity from the main switch before walking into your property. Do not walk into dark areas without proper lighting.

• Do not touch, move or remove heavy items such as floored carpets, sofas, armchairs, furniture, appliances, etc. Most of these will pose a safety threat because of being extremely heavy due to water absorption. Do not touch any electrical appliances.

• Take pictures of damaged and affected areas from a safe distance. Do not walk into, under, onto, or over dangerous spaces such as stairs, attics, basements, balconies, etc. Any place that creaks noisily has to be avoided at all costs as it may cause physical damage to you.

• You may however bring out small items such as valuables, pieces of art, expensive decorative items, etc. into an open dry space and let the excess water evaporate under the sun. This will help in the water damage restoration process of our professional crew.

• For books, magazines, etc., it is better to let them stay where they are if they are inside shelves, cabinets, desks, etc. If you pull them out, it may distort and damage the books. However, ensure that you pull out valuable documents and keep them dry and safe.

• Do not try to work on the plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation and electrical network within your home. What you’re about to do may seem like a small act in your favor, but it may become the cause of damaging your property on a large scale, not to mention the safety risks involved.

• Once you have taken care of everything that you can do, wait for our professional crew to show up. Let them do their job and with your coordination and cooperation, they will restore your property back to its former glory. We always deliver the best solutions and results to our clients.

• Storms can even cause fires which means that you will have to look into fire and smoke damage restoration Avoid using candles if possible. We advise that you stay away from open circuits, electrical wires, switches, plugs and the likes. It is never safe to handle such situations on your own.

• If the water from the storm is left to sink in, it will eventually lead to mold growth. Mold damage restoration by our experienced crew will ensure that all sources of excess water are repaired so as to lower the unwanted moisture content back to normal levels.

Always remember that professionals who have been effectively dealing with storm damage of all shapes and sizes for years will definitely know how to handle it more efficiently than inexperienced and unskilled crew. So always invest your money and time in leading companies that have years of experience, such as SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham.

For further queries, call us at (508) 746-9500.

Staying cool after the fire

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

We’re always told that if disaster strikes, we are to remain calm, cool and collected, but when that time hits, it’s hard to always put those words to action. Although there is a lot of chaos in that moment, it is still very important to stay organized and calm from the beginning of the disaster to the end of the restoration. There are steps we can take to stay organized and calm during these tense times.

• First, call your insurance agent to get the claim filed as soon as possible to get the insurance adjustor to your home.
• Next, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at 508-746-9500 to assess the damage as soon as possible and get working on the damage so it does not get worse over time.
• Keep a binder and notepad with all of the information that you’re receiving from your insurance provider and restoration professionals. (During this hectic time, don’t rely on remembering everything just off the top of your head)
• Last, but not least, make sure to save all receipts and documentation you receive pertaining to the incident and only give copies when requested; keep the originals.

Now that we’ve gone through the steps to do, here are some steps NOT to do when involved in this situation. 

• Make sure not to wire any soot damage from walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces. 
• Do not keep or use carpet or furniture that has been heavily damaged by the residue as this is unhealthy.
• Dispose of any canned goods or food items that were exposed to the extreme heat.
• Do not turn on any electronic devices until they’re thoroughly inspected by a professional to make sure there isn’t electrical damage.

Hopefully no one will ever have to go through these events, but if it does occur, these steps will help you keep that calm and collected mindset to get through the unfortunate. 

Flood damage cleanup

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

With storm season underway, there are unfortunate cases of flooding and power outages taking place all over. The humidity and flooded areas create a perfect combination and environment for mold to grow, giving you more than just flood damage to take care of. The sooner the water damage is cleaned up, the less likely there is a chance for mold to produce, leaving you with less to cleanup in the end.

Flood damage cleanup

1.     Remove furniture and upholstery to clean or repair separately.

2.     Start by using a wet/dry vacuum to get rid of as much water as possible so the water is not sitting. 

3.     Use fans to circulate air and speed up the drying process. A dehumidifier can also be used to remove the excess moisture in the air to prevent mold growth.

4.     Once the water and moisture is cleared, start cleaning and treating the carpet and flooring throughout the flooded area. Steam clean any carpeted area to properly sanitize and check the padding under the carpet to ensure that it does not need replaced. Carpet padding usually needs to be replaced when a flood occurs.

5.     Clean walls and baseboards with warm water and soap to remove any residue. Then apply bleach and water mixture to sanitize the surface. 

Water damage produced from a flood can be dangerous and cause illness due to the bacteria sitting in the water. It’s important to act quickly when it comes to flood and water damage to prevent illness and worse damage to occur.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham understands the importance of keeping your home happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding mold in your home call 508-746-9500 to schedule a free estimate today!

Educate your employees.

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Educate your employees about fire safety and take other steps to protect your business from the threat of a fire. 

Fire is one of the most common causes of property damage – and it can also be one of the most costly incidents for a small business. Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire, and the average cost for a fire claim is $35,000, according to a commercial insurance company.

Although modern safety regulations have reduced the risk, fire is still a major threat. To protect your business, it’s key to educate your employees on fire safety and emergency protocol, keep your workplace free from clutter, and properly maintain your equipment. These fire prevention tips can help keep your business safe:

1. Inspect and maintain fire extinguishers

Keep fire extinguishers inspected and maintained according to the local fire code and train employees on how to properly use them. Many people have never operated a fire extinguisher. Basic training can save lives during a fire emergency.

2. Install a fire sprinkler or fire suppression system

All businesses should have a fire alarm system, but you should also consider installing a sprinkler system or fire suppression system – some local jurisdictions also require these systems in commercial buildings. Both help to extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. If you’re operating a restaurant, for example, you should have a UL 300-compliant wet chemical fire suppression system, and follow the NFPA 96 standard for ventilation and fire protection.

3. Regularly clean and inspect equipment

Faulty equipment is a common cause of electrical fires. Make sure your machines and equipment are in proper working order, and switch them off when they’re not in use. Clean tools and equipment regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly and safe to use.

4. Reduce clutter

Keep your work-space as clutter-free as possible. Boxes, piles of paper, and other combustible materials can provide fuel for a fire. In addition, be sure to keep electrical appliances (e.g., microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers) away from paper or other fuel sources, and give computers and other equipment plenty of space so that air can circulate around them and they’ll stay cool.

5. Have an exit strategy

Create an emergency exit plan, and practice fire drills with your employees. Make sure emergency exit doors have proper signage and are well-lit. Employees should always have ready access to at least two exits. Regularly check stairwells to ensure that nothing is blocking them. 

Should disaster strike, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 508-746-9500

Storm Professionals

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham can handle any size disaster. 

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency.

An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. We arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

In the event of a storm damage occurrence, please call us and we will be there with the help you need, 24/7/

508-746-9500

Why SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Why is SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham the best choice in the area when it comes to Water Restoration?

Here are the top five reasons why you should give them a call the next time you experience water damage:

#1 IICRC Certified Professionals

IICRC is the leading, independent, non-profit, certification and standard-setting body in the cleaning, inspection, and restoration industry. When choosing water damage, mold remediation, and/or fire and smoke restoration company, be sure to ask if they are IICRC Certified.

At SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, the team holds IICRC certifications in water removal technician (WRT), applied structural drying (AST), mold remediation technician, and lead paint remediation. The team also participates in ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility.

#2 Ready for Any Emergency 24/7

A disaster can strike at any time and any day which is why SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is ready to answer your call 24/7. With water damage, time is of the essence and it’s important to start the process of removing the water quickly before it can cause further damage or lead to mold growth. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham realizes that every water damage situation is an emergency which is why they are ready to help out day or night.

#3 Known and Trusted for Over 50 Years

SERVPRO has been around for over 50 years. That’s 50 years of industry experience and know-how in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. When you call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham you can trust that they have the skills and the expertise to handle any emergency no matter how big or how small. There are not many fire and water restoration companies that can say they’ve been around as long.

#4 Advanced Equipment, Treatments and Techniques

With that 50 years of experience comes 50 years of learning the best techniques and the right treatments to cleaning and restoring business and homes from fire and water damage. Along with the best treatments and techniques come some of the most advanced equipment in the industry. Trust and reliability and excellent results come from 50 years of experience dealing with every disaster imaginable.

#5 Experts at More Than Just Water Damage

Many times, water damage isn’t the only thing that a homeowner or business owner is experiencing. If the water damage has been happening over a period of time, there could be underlying mold damage. If a home or business has experienced a fire, there could be water damage from the fire department and/or sprinkler system. If the water isn’t removed completely, there could be secondary water damage and mold growth. Luckily, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham can handle all of those quickly and professionally.

Call the Experts for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration

If you should, unfortunately, experience water damage to your business or home, call the experts at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. They have the expertise, the knowledge, the equipment, and the know-how to remove the water and restore your home or business. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham can help. Call us at 508-746-9500

Is it dangerous to breathe in smokes or soot?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A Burnt Building Can Produce Unpleasant Odors and Soot. SERVPRO Fire Restoration Services Can Recover your Property.

Is it dangerous to breathe in smokes or soot?

Fires produce lethal gases like monoxide, but these volatile particles typically disperse quickly after the flames are extinguished. Modern materials used for home contents or structure are increasingly involved in their chemical composition. This complexity can lead to smoke residues that contain hundreds of chemicals. While few of these are lethal, ingesting, or inhaling soot and smokes in a fire-damaged structure can be unhealthy. SERVPRO recommends wearing an N95 respirator when working in a structure that has fallen victim to a recent fire.

What airborne dangers exist in a burnt property?

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) can be harmful to human health and inhaled from inside a structure with fire losses.
• Particulate pollution can be microscopic dust or soot particles that can be inhaled or ingested.
• Some deodorization solvents or equipment (oZone generators) can be harmful with inappropriate use.

How do fire technicians restore indoor air quality?

Getting rid of tiny airborne soot or smoke particles is an essential aspect of fire restoration in your Bridgeport home. Many odor control techniques can get rid of smells without addressing particulate pollution. SERVPRO uses air-filtration devices in a burnt property, which can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns. Deploying an air-filtration device also helps to control odor issues by drawing odor particles out of the environment. Returning your home to a preloss condition includes addressing indoor air-quality problems that may be caused by fire.

What makes a good HEPA filter?

• To carry the label of HEPA, the filtration must be able to remove 99.97% of particles from indoor air
• Clean air delivery rate, which measures the amount of air passing through the filter. High levels ensure efficient air cleansing.
• Checking the minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rate, which is an indicator of filtration efficiency.

Restoring indoor air-quality can help return your home to a preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500.

Big Changes Happening

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham would like to take a minute to tell you about some big changes we have made in the few months along with some even bigger changes to come. 

In September we purchased the preexisting SERVPRO franchise The Bridgewater’s and renamed it Bridgewater/Sharon. The existing team that was already there came on board as well. We are thrilled to have their team join ours and be able to expand our services to help those in need. We figured that was so successful why stop there and that led us to purchase Taunton/Mansfield as well. Through this expansion we can now help more people in our community get their homes and businesses back up and running "Like it never even happened."

Speaking of our tag line we some amazing news for the future. We are working round the clock to put together a SERVPRO Reconstruction unit which will allow us the ability to see your project through from beginning to end. 

Big changes happening these days, but all the hard work and effort is for you, our customers and we will continue to strive to be the best in our field for you!

Get to Know Me ~ Kylie

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Kylie standing next to our SERVPRO Christmas Tree! If it happens to catch on fire, well... at least we're in the right place!

Hello, dear reader(s), thanks for stopping by.

I’m Kylie! Please allow me to introduce myself as the new Account Manager at SERVPRO. I'm here to tell you a little about me.
I'm passionate about educating and helping others. I live by the phrase “be the change you wish to see in the world” and I like encouraging others to do the same.

Spending time with my family, friends, and pets brings me the most happiness. I've always loved animals and I enjoy spending time volunteering at my local animal shelter (even though I'm allergic to cats and dogs, including my 3). I care for our planet Earth,and one of my life goals is to live off the land I own through my own farming practices. I'd love to use those skills for the greater good. I give back to my community through charitable donations and volunteering - I donate money/clothes/food, and I volunteer my time/efforts/skills. Reading, writing, singing, rock climbing, collecting crystals, and exploring the outdoors are among my many hobbies. The list could go on...

Now, back to business. I’m truly looking forward to my future with SERVPRO. We are both a national and local brand that is dedicated to serving its community and surrounding territories. The staff here have been warm and welcoming towards me, and I can already see how much the clients are valued. That, coupled with being the go-to cleaning and restoration company for countless insurance agencies and contractors, assures me that I am in the right place.

I hope you will keep me in mind if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help any way we can because OUR job is to make YOUR job easier. I’m excited to build a relationship with you, so please feel free to reach out to me directly at the number and email listed down below.

Thank you for reading my first blog post; stay tuned for more!

*~* HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ~*~

Kylie Serpa, Account Manager

Mobile: 508-728-1511

Email: kserpa@SERVPRO11506.com

Mitigation VS Restoration

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Call the team at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham today!

What’s The Difference?

There’s no worse feeling than coming home from a long day of work and walking into 6 inches of standing water in your living room. At SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, we understand that stress. It’s our job to respond and take care of that stress by showing up quickly and completely removing that water from your home (before it creates more damage). We are passionate about solving your problem in your greatest time of need.

We are a mitigation company. We are also a restoration company. So, what’s the difference?

Mitigation is the act of minimizing the severity of a situation. When we help our customers via swift mitigation they avoid water absorbing into the structure of the home potentially warping the floors and causing other damage. The primary purpose of mitigation is to ensure the disaster does not lead to further issues. Mitigation efforts will always come before restoration needs (if any).

Restoration is the act of returning something to its former condition. If after mitigating there is still damage to the property- that is when restoration begins. Restoration focuses on repairing and restoring any damage that may have been caused to the property. Restoration is significantly less expensive than replacement, which is why it is the preferred method by the majority of insurance companies

If you encounter water damage at your home or business, rest assured that SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham will make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (508) 746-9500

Expert Level Cleaning & Disinfection Services

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Stay safe, stay informed, and know we're Always Here to Help.

Trust the Experts.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are exceptionally prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your business or commercial building according to the protocols set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs with our professional Disinfecting Services.

Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves the disinfection of both facilities and structures. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning and disinfecting of porous and/or non-porous surfaces, and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

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. Our Hospital-grade solution SERVPROXIDE carries several EPA-approved emerging pathogen claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain, we are following all guidelines laid out by the Center for Disease Control.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, with help from SERVPRO INDUSTRIES Inc. receive constant updates, webinars, and amazing resources DAILY for fighting Covid-19, the new pathogen released that we must all do our part in containing. Our professional Disinfecting Services along with our Hospital-Grade disinfectant SERVPROXIDE with the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating makes using SERPVRO of Plymouth/ Wareham for your disinfecting needs a no brainer.

Give us a call for your free quote today. We will kindly assist you and answer any questions you may have, as well as provide you with information via email on the solution SERVPROXIDE we use as well as a Scope of Protocols & Procedures, etc. Be informed, use a company you can trust.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham

198 South Meadow Road, Plymouth

Office: (508) 746-9500

Candle Safety Tips for Date Night this Valentine's Day

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

You may be tempted to leave your candles unattended this Valentine's day to move on to more "important" things... Just be sure to be mindful :)

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. When we think of this beloved holiday the first few things that come to mind are chocolates, flowers and… candles! We want you to have a safe date night this year, so here are 7 great tips to keep your evening safe, romantic and free of disaster.

1. Trim the wick. Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to be approximately ¼ inch. This will keep the flame from becoming too large, which can help prevent a home fire.
2. Keep your candles in sight. When there’s a lit candle in the room, you should be there, too. For example, let’s say you light a few candles for a romantic dinner, and then you make your way into another room. If your candles accidentally catch something on fire, you might not know until it’s too late. Staying within the line of sight will help you see if any immediate attention is needed.
3. Use a long match or lighter. Those who play with fire often get burned. Literally. To prevent your hand from getting too close to the flame and potentially scorching yourself (and ruining date night), always use a long match or long lighter to light your candles.
4. Dispose of the match properly. Even if there’s no flame, there’s still heat. So, believe it or not, you can actually start a fire just by throwing a match in the trash. Especially if your flammable materials like tissues and paper from your Valentine’s day gifts. That’s why we recommend running used matches under water before disposing of them.
5. Don’t burn for more than four hours. When your candle is burning, carbon collects on the wick. Letting it go for too long can cause the wick to become unstable and the flame to get too large.
6. Extinguish appropriately. Suffocate the flame by using a “snuffer” or simply putting the lid on a lit candle, the flames will effortlessly (and safely) die down.
7. Pick the perfect spot to enjoy the scent and ambiance. The best place to burn a candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface. So, in addition to keeping your candle in sight, you should find an area away from children or pets (hopefully you were able to find a sitter!)

If for whatever reason you do experience fire/smoke/soot damage- give us a call at 508-746-9500. 

The 5 Leading Causes of Fires

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers fire damage, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham!

Top 5 Causes of Fires

Have you ever wondered what the top 5 causes of fires are in the US? Well, we are Here to Help. This top 5 list will go through each cause and explain how you can prevent it from happening in your home or business.

1.) Cooking Equipment. That’s right, cooking equipment left unattended or overheating is the leading cause of fires in the home. Make sure to always turn off your cooking appliances when not in use and always be aware when you are cooking.
2.) Heating. Leaving the heating on or leaving flammable objects around your heating system is a leading cause of fires. Always make sure to be mindful of what is around your heaters. Additionally, always make sure to remember to turn it off when not in use.
3.) Smoking. This is one of the most dangerous, as a cigarette that is not properly put out can quickly cause a large fire. Smoking in your home is not advised. However, if you do choose to smoke, be sure it is always completely put out before leaving the area.
4.) Candles. These small and pretty decorations can easily burst into flames if you don’t attend to them or if they are forgotten about. Also, be sure to keep them away from flammable objects.
5.) Electrical Equipment. These days our homes are filled with tons of gadgets and electronics. Be sure to check that the cords are not faulty or frayed before use and that you don’t overload any adapters.

There is no way to completely avoid these leading causes for fires, so the main takeaway is to just be mindful. Also, make sure your home or business has the proper amount of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers if anything were to catch fire. If it does happen and you are left with fire/smoke/soot damage, give us a call at 508-746-9500.

When Water Damage Strikes your Plymouth Business

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

When Water Damage Strikes, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500

How SERVPRO handles Water Damage in your Plymouth / Wareham Business

When you own a business, the last thing on your mind can be the possibility of one morning walking in to a flooded nightmare. However, that possibility has become a reality for far more businesses in this town than you would think. Whether it’s water that came from a broken pipe, faulty sprinklers or through a hole in your storeroom ceiling, the prospect of water damage occurring in your business is very real. If this does happen, the water inside needs to be removed as soon as possible, or it is likely to do further damage to the structure of your building. Swiftly hiring professional services can reduce the chances of other unpleasant discoveries in the future, such as mold.

Our highly trained team of IICRC-certified technicians can arrive at your property very shortly after your initial call. No matter the time of day, when you need our services, we can send a team to you. Your schedule matters to us, and we understand that when it comes to commercial/business water losses, time is money.

Our SERVPRO techs bring advanced technology and equipment with them on every job. Depending on the volume of water that needs to be removed, we can pick and choose the best tools for the job. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham can bring portable pumps, wet/dry vacuums, and extractors to your business to remove the water as quickly as possible.

Getting the water out fast is our highest priority, because we want to prevent it from causing further damage to your property. Once we remove the water, we can clean up your space and throw out any damaged goods and clean your equipment. Finally, our technicians to use more trade-tools to dry out the structure of your business.

When you find water damage on your property, get the job done fast by calling SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Fire

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham after the fire trucks leave and everyone is safe. We are Here to Help

Fire Damage and Commercial Properties

Smoke and fire damage problems within your commercial property are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small 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 Plymouth/Wareham

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water/fire 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. If your commercial property experiences water damage, call us today at (508) 746-9500

Floods

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you haven’t been affected by floods, it doesn’t mean you won’t be affected in the future. Make sure you are prepared!

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” This isn’t just hurricanes, but includes a long list of water related natural hazards such as,

• Flash Flooding

• River Flooding

• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems

• Ice/Debris Jams from Nor’easters and other winter storms

• Snowmelt from quickly changing temperatures after large storms

• Dry Wash which is caused by heavy precipitation in typically dry regions

• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure especially in low lying areas around these dams and levees.

If you haven’t been affected by floods, it doesn’t mean you won’t be affected in the future. In fact, close to 1 in 5 claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) came from low-risk communities. Floods can cause extensive damage, and we’ve seen it first hand on many different levels. Our SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham storm team dispatched to 4 storms within the last few years. Hurricane Harvey was an especially long dispatch, but it gave our technicians priceless hands-on experience. We haven’t seen a big storm in the South Shore area in a while, and we hope the weather stays mild. If there ever where to be a storm that caused flood damage to your home or business, we are always Here to Help.
Even when it comes to damage caused by common weather conditions like rain or snow, we are here. Big or small, we are faster to any sized disaster. We can also assist you with preventative measures, like with our Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP) which is geared towards helping businesses with incident response and disaster recovery plans.
Our technicians are on call 24/7/365 and every time you call you speak to a SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham employee. No time wasted speaking to a calling center waiting for a call back. We are ready and trained to respond to any problem, no matter the size, and help you pick up the pieces. Our restoration and cleanup services will allow you to get your life back on track quickly and efficiently.

It's Frozen Pipe Season

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage from a burst pipe, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at 508-746-9500

Winter is a precarious time of year but not only for you but also for your pipes, so make sure they are taken care of this winter as they are very susceptible to be frozen over. This can happen in a number of ways. 

• Temperature. Pipes freeze at temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less so make sure to watch the thermostat!
• Lack of Running Water, if there has not been a lot of water movement or movement through the pipes they can freeze over so make sure to drip some water from your taps from time to time if it is especially cold out.
• Failure to drain all outdoor water lines prior to winter, such as sprinkler systems and swimming pool lines.

If your pipes do freeze, there are several methods to help thaw them out. Some examples include using:

• Hot Towels. A hot towel placed over the frozen pipe is one of the most effective ways to thaw out the pipe in a safe way.
• Hairdryer. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of heating up a towel, however, a hairdryer works perfectly! Just be prepared to be there for a little while.
• Heat Lamp, if you are using this method make sure to comply with all safety instructions on the product and place it in a spot where the heat can easily reach the frozen pipe.

If you do fall victim to frozen pipes that end up leading to water damage, give us a call. Our trained technicians can help restore your home or business back to it's pre-water damaged condition.

Commercial Water Damage

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage? Call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at 508-746-9500

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at Plymouth/Wareham 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 Plymouth/Wareham

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 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. If your commercial property experiences water damage, call us today at (508) 746-9500

Fires in the Work Place

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

If you keep these 4 possibilities in mind and take preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of fires in the workplace.

4 Causes of possible workplace fires to have on your radar, and how to prevent them 

There are four common causes of fires at businesses. The first is faulty equipment. If the equipment is not properly checked, and there are, for example, loose wires, then the result could be an electrical fire as a result of either sparking or overheating. A way to solve this problem is to ensure equipment is checked on a regular basis and replaced or repaired if and when necessary.

A second common cause of fires in businesses is cluttering. A buildup of loose materials, grease and dust can cause a fire risk. Similarly, dirt and dust build-up can cause machinery to overheat, which increases the chance of fire. Regular and deep cleaning will reduce the probability of fire being a result of cluttering.

Combustible items on-site are also a fire hazard. Items like wood, paper, industrial products and cardboard that are highly flammable are a potential fire hazard. To reduce this risk, flammable waste should be disposed of regularly, and flammable industrial products should be clearly marked and handled with care.

Human error. Staff using machinery incorrectly, not properly carrying out dangerous work tasks and not reporting faulty equipment may cause fires. A way to reduce this risk would be to be trained properly in both how to use and maintain the necessary equipment and in basic fire safety.

If you keep these 4 possibilities in mind and take preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of fires in the workplace.

As always, if anything ever does happen- once everyone is safe and sound and cleanup is needed SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is always Here to Help.

Water Damage in Your Plymouth / Wareham Area Home

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is more common than you think, and thanks to SERVPRO it doesn't have to be scary. Just remember who you need to call if it does happen!

Nobody who has ever had a water loss thought it would happen to them.

Any part of your home can be impacted by a water loss. Whether it’s your attic, living room, bedroom, bathroom or finished basement… Unfortunately water does not show mercy once it’s introduced to the inside structure of your home. Water losses can either be from natural or “man-made” causes. In the winter, water damage in the attic often occurs due to natural disasters, such as ice dams or storm damage to the roof causing water to penetrate the building. The attic is the highest point of your home, and water settles downwards. This is why timely mitigation is so important. Water damage on the main floors are often from “man-made” disasters, such as faulty appliances or plumbing. During this time of the year, the most common thing we see are burst pipes due to the cold.

When your Plymouth area home falls victim to water damage, effective removal of excess water is always the first priority. Damage from flooding, a burst pipe or a clogged toilet can quickly spread throughout your home. There are a few things you can do while SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is on the way to remedy the issue. Some measures to minimize the problem include looking for and turning off your water . You should also attempt to contain the leak by using old towels or putting buckets directly under the leaks.

Water removal at the ceiling needs significant skill to ensure thoroughness and minimize the amount of demolition required. Using the right equipment also helps to remove all the moisture, particularly during the drying process. Our staff includes IICRC trained WRT, Water Remediation Technicians, and ASD, Applied Structural Drying Specialists. We use techniques such as punching weep-holes to release water from the roof and minimize the weight on the panels without the need for massive demolition. Time is of the essence. In the event that the leakage is caught before the water penetrates deep into the ceiling panels and joists, demolition can be avoided entirely. This can make the drying process more complicated, but drastically reduces demolition costs. Our technicians combine the use of specialized tools with advanced expertise. In some cases, we can make dehumidification more effective by covering a wet ceiling with a plastic barrier and venting it to a dehumidifier. We use a wide range of moisture control equipment and techniques to ensure your home or business is dried out correctly.
Leave water damage restoration to the professionals. Give us a call at 508-746-9500

What To Do and What NOT To Do After a Residential Water Loss

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips while SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham is on the way!

If you ever experience water damage in your home, there are certain things you should do and should NOT do while SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is on the way! Here are a collection of our most helpful tips.

 DO

• Shut off the water source if possible, and if it can be done safely.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion covers in washing machine.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Call your insurance company

 DO NOT

• Use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.
• Attempt to remediate any damages yourself.

With any leak, it’s the water you don’t see that can cause additional problems like mold, rot and damage to the value of your home. So, before you risk more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, leave it to the professionals and your friends at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham help make it "Like it never even happened." Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. We are ALWAYS here if you ever need help or even if you just have questions, give us a call at 508-746-9500

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and Merry Christmas this year! Sincerely, Your friends at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham

Tis' The Season For Christmas Tree Safety!

Christmas trees are one of the best things about the holidays! I’m sure a lot of us have great childhood memories of going to pick out a tree with family and loved ones. However, Christmas trees are very susceptible to fires. Here are some reminders and tips to abide by when dealing with Christmas trees to prevent a fire.

• Choose Fresh over Cheap and Dry. When choosing a Christmas tree it can be intriguing to go for the cheaper ones. However, one of the most important aspects is to make sure a tree isn’t extremely dry and was well kept before purchase. 
• Water! Water! Water! Like we mentioned above, dry trees are more susceptible to catching fire. So be sure that the stand you use for your Christmas tree holds a healthy amount of water to keep your tree hydrated, and is also strong enough to not be toppled over by kids or pets you might have in the home.
• Examine Your Lights. Don’t just blindly put up lights on your Christmas tree. Be sure to examine them each year to ensure that there is no fraying or damaged cords that could cause an electrical fire.
• Don’t Leave Your Lights on 24/7. Be sure not to not leave your lights on overnight and to turn them off when not in use. If they are left on for too long or left unattended they can be a huge fire hazard, especially if you use vintage lights.
• Be Prepared. In the event your Christmas tree is the cause for a fire, be sure your family knows where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it. This is important for ALL potential fire hazards year-round.

Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness. Many memories are made around the holidays, so be sure they are happy and safe ones!

Sewage Backups

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham has your back when it comes to flooding and sewage cleanup.

Sewage backups can be detrimental to your home or business causing damage such as destroyed floors, walls and other parts of your home. Let's take a look at what causes problems with sewers at home and how to stop disasters such as flooding.

The most prevalent causes of sewage problems, according to the Insurance Information Institute, are:

-Combined stormwater and raw waste pipelines

-Blockages of sanitary mains in the city that are not discovered in time and back up water from floor drains into homes

-Aging structures that have not been constructed to tackle a rapid rise in housing growth

-Cracked or blocked pipes 

By taking some preventive measures, you can help prevent sewage backups. 

One of the most efficient ways is to conduct periodic repairs. Plan regular cleaning and inspection of sewers, roughly every two years. A camera can be used by the technician to identify cracks and any other problems within your pipe system. They will also scrub out any residue, such as oil, hair and food, that can clog your tracks. 

Correctly discard grease and paper items. Do not pour cooking oil down the drain, because when it cools and solidifies, it can create blockages. Instead, place it in a plastic jar and throw it away once the oil has cooled. Paper goods do not decompose quickly, so avoid putting items such as sanitary products, paper towels and wipes down your tubes. 

Another effective way to address sewage backup is to fix the problems with your current plumbing scheme. There could be laws against a French drain or sump pump system being linked to a city sewer, so become familiar with these rules in your town or county. These kinds of attachments could allow debris from flood disasters to reach the system and obstruct the flow of water.

If you experience a backup leading to sewage overflowing into your home or business, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham. Our trained technicians are Faster to Any Sized Disaster and can return your home or business to it’s pre-sewage condition.

Understanding Fire Alarms

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to maintain your fire alarms to keep your Plymouth area home and/or business safe.

Fire Alarms; Ionization Vs. Photoelectric

There are two types of fire alarms: Ionization and Photoelectric.
Ionization fire alarms are more reactive towards blazing fires with large flames. A tiny amount of radioactive material is positioned between two plates that are electrically charged. This ionizes the air around it, causing a small current to exist between both plates. Once smoke from the fire enters the detector chamber, there is a disruption of the flow of ions, causing a reduced current flow. This lack of current flow triggers the alarm to sound.
Photoelectric alarms are more reactive to smoldering, long-lasting fires. A light source in the detection chamber is angled to point away from the sensor, to not receive any light When smoke enters the detection chamber, the light is reflected and dispersed onto the sensor which then triggers the alarm.
Combined alarms are available, or a combination of both alarms is recommended to provide maximum protection from both fast flaming fires and slower smoldering fires in both the home and the workplace.
Maintenance of fire alarms is straightforward:

• Once per month – test the batteries by holding the button for a minimum of five seconds. If they are working it will beep.
• Every six months – Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. Keeping the alarm free of particles will prevent false alarms and allows for easy access of smoke to the detection chamber and sensor.
• Every twelve months – Replace the batteries if they are lead or alkaline.
• Every ten years – All smoke alarms should be replaced with new ones, or earlier if this is recommended by the smoke alarm manufacturer.

7 Preparedness Tips for Your Pets

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Your pets are family too, prepare for them as such.

National Preparedness Month; Preparing for your Pets

September is National Preparedness month. Since 2004, this month has been a time to remind Americans of the importance of preparing for natural disasters, large scale catastrophes and other unexpected events. The event is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and was a response to a recognized need for individual responsibility and action in the case of unforeseen emergencies. The agency shares best practices for individuals, families and businesses in advance of possible disasters. These include how to build an emergency preparedness kit, awareness of nearby emergency shelters and how to prepare youth for emergency situations.

Particularly pertinent, and often overlooked, are emergency preparedness tips for one’s pets. As a general rule FEMA advises that “what’s good for you is good for your pets.” Emergency preparedness for pets includes ensuring that an emergency kit is prepared for the pet, that pet evacuation measures are planned in advance and that the pet is easily identifiable in case they are lost or injured. The agency also recommends compiling a list of facilities for the safe housing of pets that cannot be evacuated along with the family. The pet is ultimately the responsibility of its owner and must be included in family emergency planning as any other family member would be. Special considerations are made for large animals such as horses and livestock, as well as animals that have specific needs.

7 Emergency Preparedness Tips for Your Pets

1. As a general rule what’s good for you is good for your pets. Plan for your pet as you would any member of your family
2. Arrange for a neighbor or a trusted friend to check on your pet in the case that you are unable to do so yourself
3. Prepare an emergency kit for your pet that includes food, medications, a list of nearby pet hotels, and other essentials
4. Have your pet micro-chipped
5. Keep an up to date list of your patient’s medical records as a kennel or boarding facility will typically require this to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date
6. Do not chain or restrain your pets outside during a natural disaster
7. Ensure that all animals have some form of identification

Your pets are like family, and you should prepare for them as such. If you follow some of these pet emergency preparedness tips, you will be well on your way! If a fire emergency does happen in your home, call us at 508-746-9500

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Get prepared with these 10 items to check off your fall to-do list!

Fall is approaching!

Fall is almost here and that means going through your fall home maintenance checklist! Here are 10 things all homeowners should be doing this fall to ensure they are prepared for the colder weather ahead.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding- or worse, seep into the interior of your home causing water damage.
• Make any repairs needed to the exterior of your home. Get a head start for the colder seasons ahead and look for signs of damage to the roof, siding and foundation so you can repair them in time.
• Seal any gaps or cracks where mice and critters could enter. Prevent visitors in your pantry this fall by doing a check for any openings on the exterior of your home. Mice only need a very small opening to enter.
• Rake your leaves. This one is a no-brainer, but it can often get away from us. However, leaving too many leaves on your lawn can hinder its growth come spring-time.
• Care for your trees and shrubs. Trimming the “dead” out of your trees is one of the most important things a homeowner can do. Also getting rid of questionable limbs can spare you disaster for upcoming winter storms.
• Start stocking up on winter supplies. Preparation is key. Make sure you’re stocked up on rock salt, emergency kits, fuel, and check the integrity of your snow removal tools.
• Check all entrances, walkways, and driveways. Make sure your walkways, doors, steps, railings and driveways are all in good shape. You will thank yourself when winter comes around.
• Weatherstrip your outside doors and windows. Added insulation will help you cut down on energy costs.
• Check all of your safety devices. That means checking the expiration date of your fire extinguishers and changing the batteries in your smoke alarms!
• Make sure you are regularly maintaining your appliances. Ensure you are always cleaning your dryer vents. If it’s time for a duct cleaning, schedule one with a professional. Make sure your HVAC, furnace, or chimney are clean and in working order.

If you follow all of the items on this checklist, there’s no doubt you will be ahead of the game when it comes to preparing your home for the colder seasons. Remember, if for any reason disaster DOES strike- you know that you can call your friends at SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham. We are faster to any sized disaster and our trained technicians work hard to make water, fire and mold issues "Like it never even happened."

We Specialize in Flooded Basements and Water Restoration

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Think SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham when it comes to flooded homes and businesses.

A Flooded Basement is No Fun; Luckily, We’re Here to Help.

A basement can flood at any time. Whether it’s from heavy rainfall or a burst water heater- these incidents are not uncommon. Unfortunately, basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest point of your building, and normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of scenarios and reasons as to how basement flooding can occur. Let’s take a look at some of the most common:

• Hot water tank failures
• Burst pipes (especially in the colder weather when they freeze up)
• Heavy rainfalls, causing ground seepage which can cause water to enter if you have cracks or holes in your foundation
• Water supply-line breaks
• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe, which is the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the sewer main
• Storm sewer backups near your home. Storm Sewers are the drains on roads designed to carry rainfall runoff and other drainage.
• Sanitary Sewer backups; the underground tunnel system that carries the waste from your house or business to treatment/disposal facilities.
• Foundation drainage failures, which are the pipes installed under your foundation to collect water and move it off-site)

If flood water in your basement is not handled quickly and properly, not only can it jeopardize your health and safety but it can also cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember- the longer you wait, the more damage can occur.

At SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham, we are specialists when it comes to flooded basements; or any water damage for that matter. We are available 24/7/365, even on holidays. We are a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies- to whom we bill directly for emergency services (giving you one less thing to worry about). Our technicians are also highly trained in Water Restoration, and we adhere to IICRC guidelines and SERVPRO Industries protocol and procedures. We get it done right, and we get it done right the first time.

If you ever have problems with basement flooding or any kind of water damage, give us a call at 508-746-9500

National Preparedness Month

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Contact us for a complimentary Emergency READY Profile for your business or commercial property! As always, stay prepared!

It's National Preparedness Month

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? It is recognized each September to promote community and family disaster planning. This year’s theme from ready.gov is “Disaster’s Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Let’s look at some ways you can start planning today.

In Your Home: 

• Install storm shutters ahead of time to protect windows—temporary board ups with plywood work in a pinch. 
• Bring valuable items upstairs for protection.
• During a severe storm, remember to take shelter in a lower-level room away from any windows or doors. 
• If power is lost, unplug electrical devices and appliances to prevent a power surge once the electricity is restored. 
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting In case of power loss. Do not eat food that has warmed past 40° F. 
• Lightning can actually travel through metal pipes and shock on contact- so hold off on the shower if you hear thunder.

At Your Commercial Property:

• If instructed to do so- turn off all utilities (electric and gas) at the main switches or valves when instructed to do so.
• Disconnect all electrical equipment, devices and appliances.
• Raise elevators (if you have them) up from the bottom floor if a major storm is approaching.
• Board up windows prior to forecasted storm events, such as hurricanes or snow storms.
• Make sure your server is backed up and safely stored in another location. 
• Make sure you have a plan in place for employee safety that includes accounting for all, and designating emergency meeting areas.
• Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham to set up an Emergency Response Profile (ERP), which focuses on incident response and disaster recovery.

If storm damage impacts your home or business, call us at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, 508-746-9500. Our trained technicians can help bring your home back to it’s pre-damaged condition.

To learn more about preparedness, go to www.ready.gov/september

We are Cleaning Experts

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham is here to help with your cleaning and disinfecting needs during these unprecedented times.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 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 Plymouth/Wareham

508-746-9500

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

70,000+ Gallons of Water in Your Kingston Home’s Finished Basement? No Problem.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

We are ALWAYS Here to Help, 24/7/365.

Regardless of the Size of your Water Loss, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham has you Covered.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham specializes in water damage restoration. No matter the size of the water loss- our crews are highly trained and use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-damage condition. Recently, we got a call for a water loss that was rather large.

Several breaks in the water pipes on the 2^nd floor led to extensive damage to 3 levels of the home (including the finished basement). Since the house was a summer home and the homeowners weren’t living there, the water was leaking for a very long time- causing over 70,000 gallons of water to accrue in the basement. That’s more water than two 20’ x 44’ swimming pools. With no power in the dead of night, our crews pumped all of the water out of the basement in under 8 hours. The homeowner was in awe over how quickly and professionally we removed an unfathomable amount of water from his home and could not thank us enough. Like we told him- it’s our job to make disasters like this “Like it never even happened.” This is what we do- “This is the way.” We make it our jobs to be here for you ANY time you need us.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We are in or next to your town where nothing is ever more than 20 minutes away. We will service anyone who needs help, so if you’re farther than that it doesn’t matter- SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is here to help YOU. When you give us a call, the problem gets solved.

So if you or a loved one ever experience water damage, fire/smoke/soot damage, storm damage, or have a mold issue- remember that SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is your local restoration company and we pride ourselves in being Faster to any size disaster. We care, we yield results, we are proud of our knowledgeable technicians and project managers. If you do experience any of the aforementioned- give us a call at (508) 746-9500.

SERVPRO Helps Battle Covid-19 Across the Country With Professional Disinfecting Services

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Why you can feel confident in choosing SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham for Disinfecting Needs, as well as tips and reminders for "Flatting the Curve".

"Why SERVPRO?" When it Comes to Disinfecting Services Both Locally and Nationwide

SERVPRO Industries Inc. provides updates to franchises like ours daily on any updated Protocols and Procedures as we learn more and more about this new virus every day. The Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has been affecting the lives of people worldwide and has been declared a global pandemic. Recently, Governor Baker has declared a state of emergency in Massachusettes. With Covid-19 cases climbing, health officials are now focusing on methods to "flatten the curve".

Utilizing professional Disinfecting Services can be one proactive way to flatten the curve. There are several ways we can work together as not only a town, but a nation to flatten the curve. Another one of those ways being willing to stay and work from home to contain the spread of this virus. People are advised to practice social distancing and avoid crowded places such as bars, restaurants, shopping malls or places of worship. More recently, such places have been instructed to shut their doors completely in an effort to flatten the curve.

Another way we can work together to contain this virus and "flatten the curve" is by paying special attention to personal hygiene by washing our hands often and thoroughly. Don’t forget, panic buying everything in the grocery section hurts those who may really need it, such as the elderly population who might not be able to get to stores as often and easily. It seems each day new information, rules, and guidelines are being put forth in our country and state- so it is important to stay informed. An excellent resource to stay updated on Covid-19 news in our area is here, right on the official website for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts- Mass.gov. 

If you have any questions about disinfecting services for your building or business, please don't hesitate to call us at (508) 746-9500. We are always here for you, working around the clock 24/7 to ensure we provide services that help make disasters "Like it never even happened."

How our Disinfecting Services Work at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham  

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Call us TODAY for a complimentary quote on Disinfecting Services (508) 746-9500

Disinfecting Services for  Businesses, Municipalities, Commercial Buildings and More

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is an industry leader in Biohazard Remediation and Disinfecting Services, which recently includes disinfection related to the Covid-19 outbreak. Our crew delivers the highest professional standards set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and is dedicated to providing rapid emergency repose around the clock to any business or building in need of professional Disinfecting Services.

We use the CDC Approved hospital-grade solution SERVPROXIDE, which holds the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. In addition, SERVPROXIDE currently has dozen of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine Flu (h1n1) and more.

When disinfecting your business or building, our technicians are equipped with fully encapsulated PPE- or personal protective equipment. PPE includes full-body gowns, full-face respirator masks, gloves, and shoe covers. Our hospital-grade solution SERVPROXIDE can be applied to your facility in several different ways for Disinfecting purposes. Contents can be sprayed with the solution and wiped down with rags- to (more commonly) being applied with a ULV fogger on both hard and porous surfaces as well as the building structure itself in a fine mist that covers every nook and cranny. This method ensures that all surfaces, as well as the structure, are properly disinfected. Situations vary, and depending on if someone within your facility has either a possible or confirmed case of Covid-19, the methods of Disinfecting will vary to match the severity. If you are interested in Disinfecting Services for your business or building, or even if you just have questions, feel free to give us a call at (508) 746-9500.

Our highly trained technicians, Project Manager, and office staff have been working around the clock to provide these services not only to Plymouth, Carver, Kingston, Halifax, Plympton, and Wareham- but to any facility in need. Call us today for your free quote and do your part in protecting not only your employees but the general public as a whole.

Why We Are The Leader In Plymouth After A Flood

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

We used our anti microbial agent to prevent mold growth after tearing out the affected walls and flooring in this home after a flood.

Wind Damage Can Expose Plymouth Homes to Flooding

As a coastal community, our SERVPRO team has helped many Plymouth homes and businesses after the destructive hand of nature swept through the area. While hurricane-force weather events are not at all uncommon, including torrential downpours and damaging hailstorms, often, the most threatening presence during those storms is the fierce winds. Under the right circumstances, strong gusts of wind can remove shingles, damage eaves, break windows, uproot trees, and remove siding from a residence.

While our professionals can do little to calm the forces of nature amid a devastating storm, we can play an active role in reducing and recovering flood damage to Plymouth homes after them. Apart from the structural damage that high winds can cause to area homes, it can also leave the property vulnerable to direct runoff, further rainfall, and other precipitation concerns. Flooding after any structural vulnerabilities can be challenging to stop without the appropriate techniques.

We understand how fast flooding can get out of control, and that means we must work quickly to seal up vulnerable points in your home’s exterior. From tarping up damaged roofs to boarding up missing windows or removing fallen trees, we can ultimately reduce the direct flow of water into the house. What already exists when our SERVPRO professionals arrive must get removed with the use of our extraction tools like wet vacuums, light wands, and submersible pumps in more extreme cases.

Despite any flood damage that must get dried inside the property, while our technicians work on mitigation and restoration, our in-house residential contractors can begin preparing the property for the full-scale build back, and reconstruction needs it might have. The sooner that damaged roofing or siding can get replaced, the sooner these vulnerabilities no longer exist for continued flooding or microbial threats for the house.

Flooding is a standard threat for many homes in the area after severe storms pass through the region. Whether this damage occurs through structural vulnerabilities in your home or flash flooding forcing into your property, our SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham team can help. Give us a call anytime you need us at (508) 746-9500.

See more about Plymouth.

Our Technicians Can Help With Residential Flood Damage In Plymouth

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

If you have flooding issues in your home, there is a chance of disturbing lead-based paints.

Lead Renovation Technicians in Plymouth are here to Help with Residential Flood Damage

Restoration after flooding can sometimes be similar to home renovation. Floodwaters are understood to be health emergencies as well as home emergencies due to the likelihood of contamination in the water supply. Unless the water comes directly from your pipes, faucets, or rainwater, then you are dealing with a Black Water emergency. The reason flash flooding requires significant demolishing and removal of affected areas is that rushing water can sweep up pesticides, sewage, viruses, or animal carcass on its journey to your home. If your property was constructed before 1970, you might discover lead-based paints during restoration.

Restoration of flood damage in a Plymouth home that uses lead-based paints is a complicated and hazardous procedure. Floodwaters can contaminate drywall, carpeting, sheetrock, or insulation and needs removal to ensure that these contaminants do not remain in the home after the drying process. Certain areas of your home like cabinets, metalwork, or window and door frames, may have lead-based paints. In restoring them, you likely disturb the lead causing lead dust to permeate the structure. SERVPRO has qualified lead-based paint activities and renovation technicians (RRRP) in-house to safely restore the property.

RRRP technicians equip themselves with personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering a property where lead dust may be prevalent. These items may include full hazmat suits, respirators, and heavy-duty gloves to protect the wearer from lead poisoning. Our SERVPRO technicians can set up a quarantine zone using plastic barriers or negative air pressure to control the spread of lead dust during service.

We collect first materials in sealed biohazard bags to transport with us to a designated lead waste facility. These may include large items like metals, framework, or drywall. However, removing these materials does not guarantee that the removal of all lead substance is complete. Using air scrubbers to attract, filter, and clean indoor air can help to ensure complete removal of all traces of lead dust. Using dust wipes, SERVPRO technicians can make sure no lead residues remain during and after service.

If you have flooding issues in your home, there is a chance of disturbing lead-based paints. Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for RRRP specialists.

For more about Plymouth click here.

Have You Heard? SERVPRO Is Your Best Bet for Fire Damage Remediation in Plymouth

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Fires produce fire damage, residues and odors. Contact SERVPRO to address all three right away. Call today.

Making the Right Match for Fire Damage Residue Cleaning in Plymouth

The average homeowner has little experience with fire residues and their cleanup. When a fire does break out in your Plymouth home, it can come as a shock that most of the work involved in recovering from a fire is not fighting the flames, but cleaning up the smoke, soot, and debris afterward. The most critical skills our team brings to soot remediation are the knowledge of what products and cleaning methods exist and the experience of matching them to the soiling found in various areas of your house.

Damage Varies Space to Space

Fire damage in your Plymouth home can occur in many rooms and levels, some because of the proximity to the flames and heat and others because fire residues travel on air currents throughout your home as smoke. Smoke contains water, vapors, and gasses, but also includes solid particles of incompletely combusted structural materials and contents. Tiny bits, lighter than air, float until they settle and attach on surfaces, horizontal, vertical, and every angle in between. The consistency of soot depends on:

• Type of material burned
• Temperature during burning
• Amount of oxygen available during burning

Types of Soot

Soot divides into three major types:

Dry Soot -- from fast burning, hot fires that consume wood and paper

Wet Soot -- from slow-burning, cooler fires that smolder, often consuming damp fabrics and padding or plastic and rubber

Protein Soot -- an evaporative process where food, oils, and grease are heated past the appropriate cooking point

Matching Soot Residues with Products and Cleaning Techniques

Dry Soot

Dusting, dry-sponging, and vacuuming are all examples of techniques our crew uses to remove loose, ashy residues. We also pre-treat areas with wet or protein soot with these methods to clear loose debris before utilizing other products and methods.

Wet Soot 

SERVPRO technicians use products that loosen or emulsify the particles, which are usually sticky and hard to dislodge. Most wet soot responds to water-based solutions and agitation using tools like brushes and towels. Spray and wipe, flooding, or immersion are all techniques that have success in removing wet soot.

Protein Soot

The oily, greasy residues after a protein fire might be thin and nearly invisible, but they are some of the most challenging to remove. SERVPRO technicians receive training in the appropriate and safe use of solvents and abrasive cleaning agents or tools to manage this type of residue. Care must be taken to protect individuals near the cleaning area and the surfaces of materials coated with the tightly adhered coating.

SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham is ready to help you recover after fire damage spreads debris and residues throughout your home. Call (508) 746-9500 round the clock for fast and professional assessment and interventions.

Click here for more information about Plymouth.

Smoke Damage from a Small Fire

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Smoke and Fire Damage Services.

Smoke and Fire Damage in your Plymouth Residence

Many consumers wonder why there is so much smoke damage after the fire department extinguished a small fire. The fire damage might be limited to a small area in the kitchen; however, in some cases, there are deposits of soot and smoke damage in large areas of the home.

SERVPRO helps many residents deal with fire damage in Plymouth every year. Homeowners must contend with the damage from the fire, the residual damage caused by the fire department extinguishing the fire, and the smoke odors that can spread throughout the home. SERVPRO has experienced technicians trained in the removal of smoke odors and fire mitigation services and are ready to assist at a moment's notice.

Why Does Smoke Odor Spread Throughout a Building?

Smoke can travel throughout the home, even if the fire is contained to the kitchen area. The basic rule is that hot air rises and displaces colder air. As the hot air reaches the ceiling, it begins to disperse across the ceiling until reaching doorways and hallways. If the smoky air is quite hot, convection currents carry the hot, smoky air further throughout the home.

HVAC Systems may also be operating within the home. Hot, smoky air is drawn into the system and distributed to other areas of the house to every room with a hot and cold air vent. Some rooms may be worse off than others, depending on air currents and the materials in the rooms.

Smoke particles can become magnetized, primarily from burning plastics and synthetic fibers. Metal surfaces and synthetic materials are most likely to be affected as these particles are attracted to the properties in those items. A synthetic lampshade may have more smoke deposits on it compared to one made of cotton.

Call SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Plymouth, Manomet Beach, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Learn more about Plymouth.

We Get You Back In Business In Plymouth After A Water Damage Disaster

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

We used a water extractor machine to extract the water from the property to suck the water out of both the wet carpet and the padding.

How Estate Agents with Commercial Water Damage in Plymouth can Recover Crucial Documents

Commercial Water Damage Plymouth

Commercial water emergencies are affected by numerous variables. How much water is in the property, as well as the size and scope of the project at hand, can have an impact on the type of service you need. An estate agent may store precious documents for clients as well as keysets, which can be adversely affected by a weekend water emergency. Not only can your staff not return to work, but you may also be re-arranging appointments with clients while recovery is underway.

Our teams understand the situation of commercial water damage to Plymouth businesses and the impact it can have on the smooth running of your business. SERVPRO can send a crew chief directly to your property to perform inspection and emergency mitigation tasks. Our services encompass document recovery, which can be vital if your office stores hard-copies of deeds, tenancy agreements, or other legal documents.

Document recovery can be a tricky procedure, and it is impossible to reverse water damages from documents. However, SERVPRO engineers can act quickly to prevent further loss by freeze or vacuum drying the materials on-site. By doing so, we place the paper in stasis, halting any further or permanent damage. We can then adopt a strategy to recover the documents by using techniques to remove water by turning it directly to gas from solid.

Commercial clients use SERVPRO because they know we have the resources to perform specialty services. Our document recovery team can help you to maintain good copies of crucial documents that can help your business reputation significantly. Ultimately, requiring customers or clients to return to redo legal forms can appear unprofessional even after a water emergency. By using our specialist services, you can ensure your business continues to run smoothly even during times of crisis.

If you need expert, efficient water recovery technicians with experience in commercial buildings, contact SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham at (508) 746-9500.

See more about Plymouth.

Possible Causes of Water Damage in Your Kingston Home

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to keep your eye out for potential causes for water damage, and remember- prevention is key.

There are many causes for water damage in your home

One cause could be a partially clogged toilet and shower. There aren’t many indicators when this is occurring as everything can seem to be running normally. After time, marks begin to show on the ceiling of the floor below as the clogged pipes begin to leak. One way to prevent this is to regularly treat drains to ensure they do not get clogged up.

Another cause of water damage to a home is a poorly maintained roof and/ or gutters. When there is no clear path for water to travel from the roof to the ground, the water will just sit and build. The weight then overbears the roof and water seeps through into the house. This can be prevented by regularly cleaning your gutters and maintaining your roof so it is always in great shape.

A third way water damage can be caused to the home is a bad sump pump. If the pump is not working properly, it can overflow causing the basement to flood. The way to prevent this is to check your pump regularly to be sure that it is operating properly and capable of pumping the water out of the pit and away from your home.

If your Kingston home does encounter water damage from any of the above, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. We are your local SERVPRO. Our trained technicians have the knowledge and expertise to make your water damage situation "Like it never even happened."

Mold in Your Halifax Commercial Property?

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Have a mold problem in your Halifax business or commercial property? No worries, call us today. We help make it "Like it never even happened."

How to prevent mold growth in your Business

The most effective way to control mold is to solve moisture problems before mold growth starts.  Humid and warm conditions are perfect for mold growth.  

Mold is a major problem for business owners, when in areas where an abundance of air moisture is present.  It can do substantial damage to your business’s structure. Mold, mildew, fungus, and bacteria growing in your business can cause health effects for both you and your customers.

General mold prevention measures should include the following:

1. Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in your business as soon as possible:

This is a common source of your problem with mold growth. Your efforts for cleanup will be wasted if the source isn’t fixed.  Hire a plumber if needed to do the job right.

2. Make sure HVAC drainage is not blocked:

Spillage from HVAC pans can cause damage.  Along with the damage, wet material is a perfect environment for mold growth.  Water in drip pans mostly accumulates if drainage is clogged.  This can be prevented by pouring bleach into the pipe’s vent at least once a year.  If it still occurs, an HVAC technician will need to perform an inspection and maintenance.

3. Clean and dry wet/damp spots immediately:

Mold requires moisture to grow, so it is very important to dry up wet spots within 48 hours.  Utilizing a dry vac and fan to dry up most carpeting after a spill is a simple way to accomplish this.  If you can’t get furniture or carpeting completely dried after a flood or leaky pipe, you have to remove them. 

4. Maintain low indoor humidity:

One of the most important ways to prevent mold growth in your business is to remove any excess humidity.  The reason for this is that mold requires moisture in order to develop and spread, so if you eliminate as much moisture as you can from the air, the mold will be somewhat stifled, and you may prevent a mold outbreak entirely.

If your business does encounter a mold problem- call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. We understand business interruption and your need to avoid it- so we will work fast and professionally to restore your business back to its pre-mold condition.

Call to schedule an estimate or emergency services today at (508)746-9500

The Different Types of Storms

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Know your storms!

Hurricanes, Blizzards, Nor’easters and Microbursts

Although most people experience a range of storms during the winter season, most remain unclear on the differences between hurricanes, blizzards, nor’easters, and microbursts. First, let’s examine hurricanes, also called tropical cyclones. They form over large bodies of water, and involve rising hot air (from the ocean), and sinking cool air (from higher up in the atmosphere). Hurricanes affect large areas and feature strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall. A blizzard, on the other hand, is a much more localized storm and features heavy snowfall accompanied by high winds. Blizzards do not last as long as hurricanes, and generally dissipate within a single day. Nor’easters are a specific type of blizzard, which develops along the New England and eastern Canada coasts.

A Nor’easter is much larger than a typical blizzard, and also features some hurricane-like traits, namely the formation of a low-pressure area off the coast, which pushes strong winds from the northeast, often causing havoc on the coast. Finally, microbursts are localized thunderstorms that are caused by a downward motion of air within a thunder cloud. They are short-lasting and can often be destructive. All of these types of storms can cause severe damage to both residential and commercial buildings, however, the ferocity and speed of winds are highest in the case of hurricanes (depending on intensity) and microbursts. On the other hand, nor’easters can be extremely damaging to the coastline, and heavy blizzards can often dump enough snow to collapse roofs and bring down trees.

When a storm strikes the Plymouth Area, and your home or business suffers storm damage- leave it to the professionals. Call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500

Moisture Meters

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham has advanced technology to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

The different types of moisture meters

Moisture Meters are an important tool our Project Managers and Crew Chiefs use on a daily basis when it comes to the restoration process after a water loss. There are two types of moisture meters. There are ones that penetrate materials and ones that don’t.

Penetrating Moisture Meters have electric probes that go inside of the material you want to test for moisture, measured by electrical conductivity. The results of the reading are displayed digitally on the device.

Non-Penetrating Moisture Meters are usually used to measure moisture in content and wood materials, such as flooring and walls. Non-Penetrating moisture meters use a radio frequency, capacitance and conductivity to determine its results. These meters can indicate moisture quite far into the material.

There are also Thermo-hygrometers. They are capable of testing for GPP (grains per pound), Dew Points, and ambient temperature as well as providing a measurement of moisture in the air. Thermo-hygrometers are capable of giving our technicians useful statistics for recognizing mold risks in a structure.

Thermal Imaging Cameras are also a really neat tool that allows via a camera and digital screen to detect moisture using infrared radiation and creating an image based on such information.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham has the experience, expertise and advanced technology to properly dry out any structure. Our technicians use tools such as moisture meters to measure the relative humidity, temperature, etc. in order to have the accurate types and amounts of dehumidifiers and air movers to handle the water load in the structure- and make any water damage “Like it never even happened.”

IICRC Certified

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

We are proud to be an IICRC Certified Firm.

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), a nonprofit organization, functions basically as an oversight and accreditation organization for the cleaning industry. Among its functions is the dissemination of national standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. These standards, while optional, include general best practices, as well as specific and discrete recommendations for specific categories of cleanup/restoration/inspection. These specific categories are wide-ranging and include fire and smoke damage restoration, trauma and crime scene cleanup, etc.

SERVPRO Industries LLC is a leading national provider of cleaning and restoration services.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is proud to be an IICRC Certified Firm and to offer professional services based on the IICRC standards and best practices. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham has the following Active Certifications:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Ice Dams

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Know the signs of an ice dam.

Explaining Ice Dams

In much of the country, winter weather comes with myriad hazards. Ice is usually the most dangerous of these seasonal threats. That’s when ice dams can come in to play.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off. The heat inside the home then melts a large amount of snow turning it to water, but that water cannot drain off the roof because at the very edge of the roof is hardened snow and ice  (which cannot be reached by the heat inside). This results in the pooling of water, which then seeps into the roof and walls causing interior water damage.

The pooled water can also promote the growth of mildew and mold since it is usually the attic that gets the moisture from the ice dams, and attics are often perfect breeding grounds for mold. The best way to deal with ice dams is to prevent them from happening. You can do this by ensuring proper insulation. This will allow less heat to escape into an attic and prevent melting the snow on the roof. Otherwise, the best short-term action that can be taken is simply removing snow that accumulates on the roof, especially at the edges- but do so carefully.

If your home falls victim to an ice dam and there’s water damage involved- call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. Our trained technicians have the experience and expertise to return your Plymouth home back to its pre-water damaged condition.

Why You Should Always Thoroughly Clear All Snow From Your Vehicle

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Remember, you can be fined up to $200 if pulled over for failure to clear snow and ice off your vehicle properly.

Clear the snow, or face the consequences

In our safety-valued society, it is strange to see so many people driving around with piles of snow on the roofs of their cars. The danger posed by these uncleared piles is clear for everyone to see. As cars speed up, especially on highways, the backdraft blows the snow and hardened ice into the windshields of following vehicles, momentarily blinding them, or possible damaging their cars.

Added to this are precarious road conditions – usually, when it snows, the road is slippery, wet, or possibly even icy. On January 30, 2019, after a particularly bad storm, Massachusetts State Police issued a warning to drivers that they could be fined up to $200 if pulled over for failure to clean their cars properly. This came after an incident in Boxboro when chunks of ice blew back from a tractor and smashed into a car’s windshield. Another car was struck by flying snow and ice in Auburn, on January 22 of that year. Ultimately, the dangers are clear to see, and responsible drivers have a moral obligation to ensure they are not a threat to others on the road.

Though completely clearing the snow off your car might feel like a tedious task, remember that it’s about safety. Don’t cut corners either, you can be fined up to $40 for unsafe operation if the snow is blocking any of your visibility. So please, the next time it snows please make time to completely and properly clean your vehicle of all snow and ice. It could save a life.

Fire Evacuation Plans for Your Commercial Business

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

A fire evacuation plan for your business is an important part of your overall emergency action plan.

The importance of developing a plan

A fire evacuation plan is an important part of a business’s overall emergency action plan.  The purpose of an emergency action plan is to assist employees with what actions should be taken during workplace emergencies. Organized plans and training will result in fewer injuries and less damage to the workplace during emergencies. A poorly prepared plan can result in a chaotic evacuation or a sub-optimal response from employees, which can result in misunderstanding, injury, and damage.

The following should be considered when developing a fire evacuation plan:

• A chain of command and appointment of a person in charge in the event of an evacuation. The designation of what some call an “evacuation warden” to assist others and to account for employees is recommended;
• Clear and well-defined procedures, such as routes and exits. These procedures should be posted where they are easily seen by all employees;
• Procedures for assisting people who are unable to follow the standard evacuation procedure (such as those with disabilities);
• A way to account for employees after an evacuation.

Your plan should also consider a way to alert employees to evacuate, how to report emergencies, and how to contact authorities if required. Remember, communication is key. This should include the following: 

• Alarms should be available and recognized by all employees as a signal to evacuate the building;
• Make available an emergency communications system to notify employees of the emergency 
• Have in place a system that will allow you to contact local law enforcement, the fire department, or others as needed; and
• Alarms must be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise perceived by everyone in the workplace. 

A fire evacuation plan is essential to a business in helping keep employees safe, organized and accounted for in the event of a workplace fire and can help avoid confusion and injury.

The Importance of Maintaining a Clean Business

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

A well organized and clean work environment is the perfect recipe for success.

Benefits of organization and cleanliness

While many of the benefits of cleanliness and organization in the workplace are self-evident, placing specific emphasis on procedures that encourage strict maintenance of work areas can ensure that productivity is always at its peak.

It can be a good idea to encourage employees to pay particular attention to the ways that their impact on the work environment at large will inadvertently affect other workers as well as the overall flow of the workplace. This can be best implemented by providing ample space for each employee to perform their role as well as designated spaces for specialist equipment and other personal effects which have no place in the general workflow. Besides keeping the workspace tidy, such procedures can cut down on confusion when it comes to performing roles that may require specific equipment. Likewise, personal hygiene and cleanliness should be strictly maintained, especially in regards to eating areas and bathrooms, to minimize the risk of illness.

Besides these benefits to overall general cleanliness, the psychological impacts of working in a well-organized and tidy environment can help to maintain a sense of order and overall morale. Ensuring that all employees are doing their part and consciously addressing short fallings will greatly benefit the tone of the workplace environment and encourage a sense of camaraderie among workers.

Nor’Easters

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

If a Nor'Easter like this hits the Plymouth, Carver, Wareham & Kingston areas- remember that SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is always Here to Help!

What are they?

Nor’easters are storms that frequently strike the northeastern region of the United States. We’ve seen quite a few here in Plymouth in our lifetimes, and we are no strangers to the Nor’easter. While they can occur during any month of the year, with the most powerful occurring between September and April. They typically cause significant economic damage, stemming from transportation interruptions due to precipitation, wind damage, and flooding. These storms typically develop between Georgia and New Jersey and particularly strong in the New England and Southern Canada regions. Cities such as Washington, New York, and Boston are commonly affected by their heavy snowfall and gale-force winds, and coastal regions are subject to flooding. 

Nor’easters are relatively common storms and a warning can be provided days in advance of their arrival. As such, they are not challenging to prepare for, unlike more extreme storms. Meteorologists monitor conditions that could be conducive to the formation of these systems, particularly in the fall and winter months, and issue watches and warnings to local populations as they see fit. When a storm does strike, it is on the individual to prepare themselves.

However, especially for a resident of Plymouth, these are not uncommon occurrences and are not too challenging to prepare for. The most dangerous aspect of most storms is the harsh conditions, and as such households should stock up on foods and drinks, particularly non-perishable items in case of a power outage. In this instance, a family should also have a plan to provide heating for potentially days if the power goes out. Coastal residences may consider evacuating to a more inland location, as floods are possible. Once the storm begins, it is best to stay inside, as driving conditions, in particular, will be very dangerous with low visibility and ice on the roads. Once the storm passes, usually in a day or so, households should be prepared to shovel out driveways and sidewalks. Beyond this, nor’easters are relatively straight forward storms to prepare for and, outside of the strongest, are not typically as catastrophic as a hurricane or other natural disaster may be. However, preparation is key. If a Nor’easter does strike and your Plymouth home is left with storm damage- SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is here to help. We can help make your storm damage “Like it never even happened”

SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham Has 8 Holiday Tips to Make Your Day Safe, Merry and Bright

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Assure that your home is safe before the Holiday festivities begin!

We are not only service providers, but we are also experts in prevention

Before the guests arrive and the festivities begin, there 8 things we want to make sure of for safety's sake.

1. Make sure no more than 3 strings of incandescent lights are connected at once, this can not only blow a fuse but start a fire.
2. Do not overload your outlets, spread out which outlets you plug your decorations in to.
3. Always inspect any electrical decorations before use for damages. Loose or bare wires, damaged sockets etc. can lead to an electrical shock or fire.
4. Try to use battery-operated candles, if you can. The less fire you have about, the less likely it is to accidentally spread.
5. Make sure cords are never pinched by furniture, placed under rugs, or placed near heat sources. Especially make sure nothing is attached by nails or staples.
6. Pay attention to your decoration labels. If they do not have a label from a testing company such as UL, CSA or ETL- it's likely it hasn't been tested for safety.
7. Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking, unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
8. When all the day’s joyful activities are over, be sure to turn off, unplug and extinguish all decorations before slumber. 

Now that you have these tips in mind, make the necessary adjustments in your home before your guests arrive. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas!

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham Knows About The Importance of a Clean Chimney

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Be sure to keep your chimney clean to prevent smoke/soot damage to your home.

Why proper chimney maintenance is important

Besides a warming heat and beautiful flame to behold, burning a fire inside a fireplace within a home releases other, more dangerous elements. Creosote is a compound, more commonly referred to as tar, which is known to be flammable and toxic, and is considered to be potentially carcinogenic (causing cancers). In addition to the health hazards, it could set your chimney on fire, and these fires can spread to the rest of your home. Fireplace cleaning is an important part of home maintenance, if you wish to keep your home as well as yourself, healthy and undamaged.

When the amount of creosote is thin, 1/8” or less, it can simply be swept away from the chimney using a specialized brush. Routinely performing this task actually makes the task much easier, as thicker layers of creosote become more tarry and difficult to remove. A solution of warm water and TSP (trisodium phosphate) can help to remove any stubborn tar, but proper ventilation, gloves and goggles are needed to protect yourself from the alkaline chemical, and a drop cloth should be used to protect the floor from both the chemicals and creosote. If the cleaner is unable to remove the tar, the fireplace must not be used again until a professional chimney sweep is able to clean it, or the aforementioned consequences may be the result.

If you do have smoke/soot damage from your chimney, SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham is here to help!

Maintaining your Hot Water Heater

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

If your hot water heater ever fails you, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham

Maintenance is the key to longevity 

We take our hot water for granted, but we can thank our hot water heater for that. Water heaters are used in our daily routines and serve many purposes, so it is very important to keep them in good condition. This will help an individual avoid dealing with hectic problems such as bursts of the heater and other water leakage and costly problems that can be easily avoided.

It is important for the water heater to be flushed at least once a year to prevent blockage and other issues. Over time, the heater builds up debris and other rocks that can get trapped inside it, causing many issues. These rocks are formed because of the large amounts of calcium that are created by hard water moving at a rapid rate. The heater should also be tested at least once a year for temperature in order to prevent any burning caused by hot water.

Inspecting the water heater is very crucial as it increases it’s efficiency and prolongs its life. Although an individual might think that the inspection is costly, it is saving them money in the long run, as an inefficient heater costs more to own than an efficient one. If your hot water heater ever does fail you and you’re left with water damage, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. Our trained technicians will return your Wareham, Halifax, Plymouth, and Kingston home or business back to its pre-water damage condition.

The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Knowledge

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

Know how to use YOUR fire extinguisher!

Extinguishing Unawareness

Although one might think it uncommon to use a fire extinguisher, it is still very important for a house to have a fire extinguisher on each floor. It is equally important to know exactly how to use one. A house can have plenty of combustible material and other furniture that can easily catch on fire and be very hard to put out with water only. The fire can spread around the house within seconds causing smoke, panic, and chaos all around.

A fire extinguisher is the best way to prevent the fire from spreading and minimizing the damaged caused by it. In 2013, 2755 people were killed in home fires that could have been prevented if fire extinguishers were available. It is also very important for everyone in the house to know exactly where the fire extinguishers are and for them to be easily accessible so that the small fire doesn’t escalate causing very costly damage or even injuring people in some cases. Another important rule to remember is to have the fire extinguishers inspected frequently to make sure that they are always working without a problem.

If you experience a fire and you have smoke/soot damage, or even Ansul residue from the fire extinguisher- SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is here to help restore your home or business back to its pre-fire condition.

Developing an Emergency READY Profile for Your Business

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Preparation is key.

The Emergency READY Profile Advantage

Did you know 50% of businesses close down following a disaster? Of the businesses that do survive, the majority had a preparedness plan in place. By Developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business, you can know that you are “Ready for whatever happens.” Whether the disaster be man-made or natural, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is always Here to Help.

How to develop YOUR business's Emergency READY Profile?

• Call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham directly and ask to make an appointment for one of our employees to come down to your business and compile an ERP for you! The number to call is (508) 746-9500. All we need from you is about 30 minutes for a walk through- we do the rest!

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Program is a no cost assessment of your facility. If needed, having an ERP for your business will save you a LOT of time- and when it comes to mitigation, time is money. Having an Emergency READY Program in place can also minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation.

If you have any questions about the Emergency READY Profile, or if you would like to schedule a time for one of our employees to come to your business and compile one for your facility, give us a call! (508) 746-9500

Learn more here.

Can My Carpet be Saved After Water Damage?

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Always call SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham when faced with water damage in your Manomet Beach, Wareham, or Kingston home or business.

Water categories, and what that means for your carpet

After a flood or water damage event, homeowners often wonder whether their carpet and pad are salvageable. Knowing what type of water that caused the damage is a key factor in determining whether you should get rid of it, or if can be salvageable. There are three categories of water that you should familiarize yourself with.

Category 1 (clean water): water that is non-contaminated that usually comes from a broken sink, pipe etc. Carpets and pads effected by this type of water can be dried and restored in place once all water has been properly extracted.

Category 2 (gray water): dirty water released by sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. Carpets effected by this type of floodwater can usually be restored if it has been wet for less than 48 hours. In most cases the pad is replaced.

Category 3 (black water): water that contains hazardous contaminants from sewage and toilet back-flows or floods caused by natural disasters. Carpets and pads effected by black water are never salvageable, and should be removed and replaced by professional.

Every water damage situation varies, so you should always call professionals like our trained technicians at SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham to inspect the damage before deciding if your carpet or pad is salvageable. We have the knowledge, damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your home and handle your water damage restoration needs.

Call us today! (508) 746-9500

Safety Tips for Deep Frying Your Turkey This Holiday Season

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Better safe then sorry!

Turkey has always been an essential part of holiday meals, and the trend of using a deep fryer has gotten very popular. A deep-fried turkey may give a home chef a new way to enjoy the bird, but there are very serious safety measures that should be followed when cooking to avoid fire-related injury.

First, the deep fryer should always be placed on a level surface and if frying outdoors, placed away from trees, garages and other structures. A deep fryer that is not operating properly can start fires that could become worse when exposed to flammable objects. It is also far too common for the instruction manual to be left behind, especially when the user is familiar with the method of cooking, but it still should be available and referenced before use. Furthermore, make sure to never put a frozen turkey in a deep fryer as this will cause flare-ups; always make sure the turkey is completely thawed when placed in the oil. Additionally, make sure that when the fryer is operational, it is being monitored by an adult to watch for any flareups or other dangerous factors. Lastly, always keep children and pets away from the fryer when it is in use. A child may cause an accident with the fryer or be hurt by the fryer because they cannot recognize the potential dangers.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham wishes you and your family a very happy holiday, and also a prosperous New Year!

How to get Your Fire Damaged Plymouth Kitchen Ready for Christmas Dinner

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fires started from cooking are the leading cause house fires.

Removing Fire Damage from a Plymouth Kitchen 

Massachusetts homeowners often have several measures for fire prevention in their home, including kitchen fire extinguishers, but seldom need to use them. They might be surprised to know that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the two most common days for kitchen fires to occur after Thanksgiving, meaning many homeowners may need that extinguisher sooner than they might expect. Cooking equipment is also involved in 19% of holiday home decoration fires. 

If your Plymouth kitchen has experienced fire damage over the holiday season, certified SERVPRO technicians are always available to minimize damage to your home. Technicians and franchise owners alike receive extensive education in fire damage mitigation, which includes the removal of soot, protein residues, extinguisher residue, and other issues that can crop up with kitchen fires. These professionals work closely with homeowners and insurance adjusters alike to ensure a deep clean that is done to code and per your insurance policy. 

What to Do After a Kitchen Fire

If a cooking fire occurs in your kitchen:

Leave immediately and close the door behind you to keep the fire contained. Call 911 after leaving.

• If you fight the fire yourself, ensure that others have left the area and that you also have a clear, easily-accessible exit.
• Smother grease fires before they occur. The simplest way to do this is to keep a lid nearby while cooking. To smother flames, put this lid over the affected pan and turn off the stove. Leave the lid on until it is cool completely to eliminate the risk of fire. 
• If you have an oven fire in your kitchen, turn the heat off and keep the door closed. 

How SERVPRO Helps Homeowners

One of the most prevalent issues after a kitchen fire occurs is dealing with invisible protein residues. These deposits, over time, can corrode or discolor materials, as well as impart a strong foul odor that is unpleasant and difficult to remove without professional-grade mitigation. SERVPRO has a variety of tools available for dislodging soils and odor-causing residues, such as EPA-registered disinfectants, dry cleaning sponges, air scrubbers with HEPA filters, and agitating tools for removing residue from ventilation systems. For further odor removal, certified Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) can use thermal foggers to spray dry, solvent-based deodorizers that penetrate surfaces and chemically bind with particles to remove fire-related odors. 

SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham strives to ensure that your home looks, "Like it never even happened." Call (508) 746-9500 to have a rapid-response cleanup team at your door within hours. 

More about Plymouth.

Some Warning Signs of Water Removal Issues in Plymouth

12/15/2019 (Permalink)

Whether the water damage is hidden or in plain sight, contacting SERVPRO is your best bet to mitigate the situation and get results.

Water Removal Strategies for Built-In Storage in Plymouth

A selling point for homes in Plymouth is often the beautiful built-in cabinetry found in many of the rooms. Water damage can hide within the cabinetry, behind toe kicks, under the bottom interior surfaces, and between walls and the backs of the cabinets. When a leak or appliance causes water to spread inside or near cabinets, it can be unnoticed or forgotten. Hidden water can cause secondary damage like mold growth and contribute to the progressive deterioration of structural components. 

Gaining Access

Water removal in Plymouth can be difficult when cabinets cover floors and walls. Because of their construction, every step can take longer because of multiple layers of wood and plywood over plaster, drywall, or flooring. If cabinets have backs, cutting spaces for access with a hole saw can permit our crews to use flexible hoses to extract water and direct warm air to dry out the building cavity. Our crews take great care to avoid plumbing or electrical lines threaded through walls and fixtures when we determine where to cut the holes. Using a hole saw makes repair and touch up of the access holes easier to complete.

Techniques to Improve Airflow

If SERVPRO’s moisture measurements indicate that the surface behind affected cabinets might have loosening plaster or drywall, we consider enhancing the effort we make to reach the water and dry out the space. Cut holes near the ceiling on the wall face help circulate air, accelerating the drying of the building cavity containing moisture. The structure under a cabinet that raises it from the floor is called a toe kick. Removing the base molding covering the toe kick allows our technicians options to vent the area under the cabinet again with sawn holes. We treat the toe kick space with an EPA-registered biocide and use the equipment on our services vehicles to force warmed air through the prepared openings to dry out the cavity. If removed carefully, the base molding can be reattached without compromising the function or appearance of the cabinet. 

Water removal from your beautiful built-in cabinetry is a specialty of the team at SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham. Call us at (508) 746-9500 to consult and plan for a successful outcome.

Click here for more information about Plymouth.

What to Avoid After Flood Damage in Plymouth Homes

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Don't risk flood waters causing extensive structural and content damage in your home. Call SERVPRO right away after your home experiences flooding.

Understanding Contamination Risk After Plymouth Flood Damage

Homeowners in Plymouth experiencing overland flooding after heavy precipitation or storm surge have a severe problem brewing in their cellars or lower living levels. If you believe biohazards are something that exists only in healthcare, trauma, or industrial settings, think again. Flood waters can contain a vast range of highly infectious and dangerous substances, flowing without discrimination into your home after a storm or major sanitary sewer system backup.

Specialized Equipment and Training Essential to Manage Flooding

Flood damage in your Plymouth home must be mitigated and remediated using appropriate safeguards from the start. Our crews wear personal protective equipment (PPE), beginning with assessment activity. The waters invading your home can contain various biohazards, requiring the use of PPE. Methane and other vapors harmful to breathe are often present, requiring the use of respirators. Although the flood waters can look relatively clean, assume they contain biohazards, many of which are visible only when viewed through a microscope.

Air Scrubbing Technology

Although SERVPRO’s focus is on removing the flood waters and drying the structure, we take the time to set up containment systems first. Expect us to partition off the affected area using heavy plastic, running air scrubbers to seal the perimeter and force the atmosphere inside through HEPA filters before venting outside. Pathogens can be ingested or pass through unprotected skin, and also can infect through the human respiratory system. Air scrubbers also help reduce the odors that can linger by removing the invisible particles stirred up during the restoration process.

Mold Growth Risk Increases After Flood Damage

The flood waters might contain some additional fungi, but mold spores are already in your home, awaiting a source of moisture to begin their life cycle. SERVPRO understands how critical fast flood water removal and drying is to limit potential mold growth. The window of opportunity for an explosion of mold damage can be as short as 24 to 48 hours after the flooding.

Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham at (508) 746-9500 immediately after flood waters enter your home. The risk of illness and structural damage following sewer backups or overland floods is significant without professional intervention.

Click here for more information about Plymouth.

We Get You Back In Business In Plymouth After A Fire

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

We are faster to any size disaster and have the expertise, equipment, and experience to restore your business after fire damage strikes.

How We Help Your Business Thrive After Fire Damage in Plymouth

When a fire moves through your Plymouth retail space, the mess left behind can seem impossible to manage. Copious quantities of water and chemicals extinguish the flames, but now spread contaminated fluids throughout your building. The heat of the fire caused air currents that moved smoke far from the ignition site. Solids comprised of incompletely combusted structural materials and contents float on the superheated air, seeking cooler surfaces upon which to settle and adhere.

Multiple Certifications Support Our Efforts

Fire damage in your Plymouth shop includes water loss and persistent odors in addition to charring and soot buildup. The benefit of lining up our crews to respond is our wide-ranging disaster response capability. Our technicians train to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices standards in all aspects of disaster mitigation. We start the project with water containment, removal, and structural drying for safety reasons. Then we transition to charring, smoke, and soot cleanup without missing a beat.

Efficient Soot Remediation

Depending on the characteristics of the structures and contents burned, the oxygen available during the fire, and the temperature level reached, effective soot removal methods vary. Hot, fast-burning paper and wood blazes create a light, ashy coating SERVPRO technicians can dry-sponge and vacuum away. Plastics, rubber, and fabrics smolder, oxygen-starved, and laying down a thick, sticky coating. Our team selects cleaners with surfactants and wetting agents that dissolve, loosen, and suspend the soot in anticipation of a skillful wipedown. Protein-based fires leave a thin, highly malodorous, varnish-like coating. Abrasive tools and solvents dislodge the tightly adhered grease and food residue. 

Effective Deodorization 

SERVPRO uses a step by step approach to odor elimination. Debris removal and deep cleaning rid your store of much of the smelly material. Our employment of negative pressure air scrubbing equipment helps filter tiny, malodorous particles. Inspection and cleaning of HVAC systems can reduce the recycling of odor-bearing bits. We also have access to innovative equipment and products like thermal foggers, ozone machines, hydroxyl generators, and enzymatic cleaners to chemically change and neutralize odors at the molecular level. 

Fast Response and Containment Strategies

Every minute your products and services are unavailable to your customers impacts your future. SERVPRO knows you need to re-establish a presence in the community swiftly after a fire or risk losing out permanently to competitors. Our skilled and experienced work crews, supported by our inventory of leading-edge equipment, turn chaos into “Like it never even happened” fast. We also are proficient in effective containment and partitioning strategies that permit you to open for at least limited customer service during most or all phases of the fire recovery project.

Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham to get you back in business rapidly after a fire loss. Call us at (508) 746-9500 24/7 to schedule an assessment: We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Plymouth.

Cleaning Up After Plymouth Home Flood Extraction

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Plymouth residents never fear, SERVPRO is here for your Plymouth storm damage.

Storm damage can get out of hand, let SERVPRO help your Plymouth home get back on top.

Extraction is always one of the first tasks that must occur when flooding has damaged your Plymouth home. The faster that our professionals can reduce standing water and begin drying the property, the less installed structural elements that risk overexposure and deterioration. Our professionals must implement premier cleaning practices using potent disinfectant products to bring your property back to preloss condition to truly make flood losses “Like it never even happened.”

There are many steps involved in the management and restoration of flood damage to Plymouth properties. However, the post-extraction cleaning and cleanup after necessary reconstruction are vital to the finished product. Debris can exist from the path that flooding took into your home, even if it is a clear water incident. Insulation, deteriorated drywall and ceiling tile, and dirt are all components of residue and remnants our SERVPRO team must address after flooding.

Preparing your property for this cleaning phase often begins with practical extraction efforts. With the presence of solids or debris in the standing water, our professionals must use more powerful extractors with larger intake and discharge hoses like our self-priming trash pumps. For clean water incidents, the preferred extraction tool for even widespread floodwater is the electric submersible pump. This machine provides a steady, quiet removal of water until the affected area is less than 2 inches in depth.

Debris removal can happen in the early stages of flood mitigation and following controlled demolition/build back through a trusted, reputable contractor. Removing residues from surfaces requires the use of one of many disinfectants and cleaning agents available through our SERVPRO line of products. Some of these products help to provide a polished finish on the affected surface, such as our revitalizing cleaning compound for hardwood floors that leaves a slight sheen finish.

No matter how widespread or severe flood loss effects can be after a disaster, our SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham professionals can help with a fast response as well as premier restoration and cleaning practices. No matter how we can help, you can reach us 24/7 at (508) 746-9500.

To learn more about Plymouth, click here.

Let SERVPRO Work its Magic With Air Movers to Dry Water Damage in Plymouth

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water loss events occur, and SERVPRO is always on call. We have the equipment and experience for all of your water damage restoration needs.

Using Air Movers for Drying Plymouth Homes 

Drying and water restoration work are among the chief callouts that our SERVPRO professionals address in the Plymouth area. With so many potential causes for water loss incidents, we have to have tools and equipment that offer efficient and cost-effective solutions for our customers. Air movers offer focused drying attention without a substantial draw on power or other resources. 

There are different sizes and types of drying equipment available to help contend with water damage in Plymouth homes. The need for these machines and the type can get determined during the initial assessment and scoping practices when we first get notified about an emergency. Our project manager can work with the homeowner and even the insurance provider to catalog the damage, list unsalvageable loss, and determine the most efficient approach to restore the house. 

Centrifugal air movers offer a high-velocity output that can force moisture and saturation out of construction materials and contents in the house. With a close placement of these units to the water damaged materials, air movers can displace moisture and convert it to a vapor. The refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers allow the aerosolized moisture to collect and discharge from the property. 

One of the advantages of choosing these units for drying efforts is how many of them we have at our disposal. We have hundreds of these powerful fans in our inventory. On job sites, these devices can plug into one another, the well-known term is daisy chains, only requiring one unit to use an outlet or a line from the generator our SERVPRO team provides. Every affected room of the house can get the appropriate amount of air movers without trip hazards of multiple extension cords and lines. The use of jump boxes governs electrical flow, lessening the dangers of sparking and fires.   

Drying up your home can often be more involved than initially believed, especially when moisture can exist beneath the surface of materials. Air movers can help in the drying process to protect these materials and contents, no matter how severe damages might be. Give our SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham team a call anytime that you need us at (508) 746-9500. 

More about Plymouth.

Why you should call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for your Mold Remediation needs

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

A Carver resident is very happy they called SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for their mold remediation needs!

Why choose SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for Mold Remediation?

A local family experienced mold growth throughout their Carver home, and called SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for remediation services. Our crew went in to remediate 6 rooms total: the main basement area, utility room, closet, foyer, laundry room and office. Each room and its contents were inundated with microbial growth, and action was necessary. Our technicians Donald, Adam and Riley went in with their Tyvek suits and went to work.  They first set up containment and placed large air scrubbers in the home. They removed affected baseboards, drywall and insulation where it was necessary. They sprayed an antimicrobial agent and HEPA vacuumed the ceiling, wall and floor areas where the growth was found. They wiped down all contents with an antimicrobial as well. When the crew was finished, the home was back to its pre-mold condition. The homeowners where so pleased with not only our work, but with how helpful our staff was as a whole. We where happy to receive the following testimony from the homeowners after the mitigation experience:

“We would like to express our thankfulness for the services of SERVPRO. Your team Donald Dodge, Adam and Riley are exceptional. There work ethics are top of the line. Your secretary Dawn was very helpful to me, and caring.

Our sincere thank you to Donald who worked with us through an extremely difficult problem. “Kudos” to you for having such great employees.”

If you find mold growth in your home, make sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. Our crew has the experience and expertise to return your home back to its pre-mold condition. For a free estimate, call our office at (508) 746-9500

SERVPRO knows what to do and What NOT to do When You See Mold in Your Plymouth/Wareham Home

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham knows how to handle mold.

Mold; What to do and what NOT to do.

We've seen a LOT of mold cases the past 9 years. If you see visible mold in your home, the first thing to do is 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 Plymouth/Wareham for mold 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.

When you discover mold in your Plymouth/Wareham home, leave it to the professionals. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. Call us today for a free evaluation and remediation estimate at (508) 746-9500

Ellicott City Flood, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham springs to action

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Vans loaded with equipment drive from Plymouth, MA to Ellicott City, MD.

Ellicott City Flooding

Several of our crew members here at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham met at our warehouse on Sunday, June 3^rd to pack up and head out to Ellicott City, MD to help with the flood damages once again. We responded to the first flood that happened July 30^th, 2016, so our crew knew what to expect.

On Sunday, May 28^th, 2018 Ellicott City was hit by another major flood. Nearly 8 inches of rain fall fell in a matter of hours (approximately two months’ worth of rain).  Both the county executive and governor had declared the downtown area as in a state of emergency. Gas and electric had been shut off so power lines and gas mains could be assessed. An incident management team of 60 people provided assistance to the people of Howard County and Ellicott City. Those who were in need of emergency lodging were told of several local churches locations that were offering shelter. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said he was both devastated and heartbroken at a press conference that Sunday night.

Main Street in Ellicott City had been in a state of rebuilding since the 2016 flood. Governor Larry Hogan said at the Sunday press conference that “[The flood] is as bad or worse than the storm two years ago”. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said “… this is worse than July 30^th, 2016”. Preliminary reports indicated that Sunday’s rainfall exceeded that of the flood two years ago. In 2016 Meteorologists dismissed the flood as a “1-in-1,000 year rain event”.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is currently in Maryland servicing Ellicott City, Catonsville, Baltimore and Laurel. We are working our hardest to help these residents restore their homes back to their pre-storm conditions.

Restoration after a Home After a Fire

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Before and After Fire Restoration

This fire damage in a Bridgewater home required a thorough top to bottom cleaning after a stovetop caught fire, so the homeowners called SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham! Our crew used chem sponges to clean all surfaces, including ceilings, walls and floors. We also placed air scrubbers, which capture the contaminated air and produce clean non-contaminated air, throughout the home. Air scrubbers help control the odor left behind from a fire damage as well. In this photo, you will see how hard our crew worked to get the soot out from the carpet. We communicate with the homeowner and make sure all needs are met and all questions are answered. As you can see, the team at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham helped restore this Bridgewater home to a wonderful condition! If you have damage from fire, smoke or soot in your home- Call us today! (508) 746-9500

Chimney Fire Safety and Prevention Tips

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

A safe, happy fireplace!

We all love enjoying the fireplace in the winter time… but do you know about chimney fire safety? There are several ways to tell if you are having a chimney fire. Often a big giveaway can be the noise your chimney/ fireplace is making. Ideally, you want your fire to make a light crackling sound; if the fire in your chimney/ fireplace is making an alarmingly loud sound you may be having a chimney fire.

 There are two types of chimney fires: Free Burning and Slow Burning.

• Slow Burning Chimney Fires aren’t as loud as Free Burning fires. Sometimes they can even be undetectable. As the name suggests, Slow Burning fires burn slow at high temperatures. Always be sure to check that flames or abnormal amounts of smoke are not coming out of your chimney top.
• Free Burning Chimney Fires are extremely loud. They have been said to sound like a train or even an airplane and you will most likely have large amounts of flames and smoke coming out of your chimney top.

Prevention is extremely important when it comes to fire safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent chimney fires this season:

1. Never leave a fire unattended.
2. Never use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire.
3. Burn larger logs instead of smaller logs if possible.
4. Always try to use dry kindling, newspaper, etc. to start your fires
5. Clean your chimney regularly, as well as making sure you get regular chimney inspections.

Always remember:

In the case of any fire, always get out of the house safely and call 911 first.

In the immediate after event of a fire, SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham takes care of the entire fire restoration process to make it "Like it never even happened."

If you have fire or soot damage in your home or commercial property, call (508) 746-9500

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham if you have soot/smoke damage for either emergency services or a free estimate/evaluation!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

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

Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 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 – 508-746-9500

Mold Remediation For A Very Happy Customer

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

A local family experienced mold growth throughout their Carver home, and called SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for remediation services. Our crew went in to remediate 6 rooms total: the main basement area, utility room, closet, foyer, laundry room and office. Each room and its contents were inundated with microbial growth, and action was necessary. Our technicians Donald, Adam and Riley went in with their Tyvek suits and went to work.  They first set up containment and placed large air scrubbers in the home. They removed affected baseboards, drywall and insulation where it was necessary. They sprayed an antimicrobial agent and HEPA vacuumed the ceiling, wall and floor areas where the growth was found. They wiped down all contents with an antimicrobial as well. When the crew was finished, the home was back to its pre-mold condition. The homeowners where so pleased with not only our work, but with how helpful our staff was as a whole. We where happy to receive the following testimony from the homeowners after the mitigation experience:

“We would like to express our thankfulness for the services of SERVPRO. Your team Donald Dodge, Adam and Riley are exceptional. There work ethics are top of the line. Your secretary Dawn was very helpful to me, and caring.

Our sincere thank you to Donald who worked with us through an extremely difficult problem. “Kudos” to you for having such great employees.”

If you find mold growth in your home, make sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. Our crew has the experience and expertise to return your home back to its pre-mold condition. For a free estimate, call our office at (508) 746-9500

Plymouth/Wareham Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

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

What to do and What NOT to do When You See Mold in Your Plymouth/Wareham 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 Plymouth/Wareham for mold 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.

When you discover mold in your Plymouth/Wareham home, leave it to the professionals. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. Call us today for a free evaluation and remediation estimate at (508) 746-9500

Fire Prevention Week is coming!

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week facts and resources!

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention week is near! In 2018, Fire Prevention week is between October 7th and 13th, with Fire Prevention Day being Tuesday, October 9th!

What is Fire Prevention Week?

Fire Prevention Week started back in 1925, which was proclaimed a national observance by President Calvin Coolidge. The purpose is to educate adults, teachers, and children about the importance of fire safety. It's also meant to bring awareness to the risk of death in the case of a fire. The dates of Fire Prevention Week vary each year.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week's campaign is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” You can see more about this campaign here on the NFPA website about public education.

On the website linked above, you will see the part of the campaign "Look. Listen. Learn" broken down as such:
"LOOK
Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter."

There are also great ways for children to get involved and get educated on fire safety online with tons of great videos and games! Click Here to check out all of the great games and activities hosted by Sparky the Fire Dog!

Though the dates of Fire Prevention Week vary each year, Fire Prevention Day is always the same. Why? Well, October 9th is the date of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused severe damage. The Great Chicago Fire burned over 2,000 acres of land, destroyed over 17,000 structures, left over 100,000 citizens homeless, and sadly killed over 250 people.

Therefore, it is of great importance in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire that we educate people of all ages on Fire Safety.

Here at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, we often deal with restoring the aftermath of a fire. However, education is of great importance when it comes to both prevention and preparation. For more information on fire prevention, visit https://www.nfpa.org/fpw

And remember, if you or a loved one ever encounters a fire, always call 911 first. If your home was damaged, you can call us here at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for help making it "Like it never even happened."

Post-Fire Tips

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Always call a professional when it comes to fire/soot/smoke restoration!

What TO do, and what NOT to do after a Fire

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most predominant concerns.
• Only do necessary activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What to Do After a Fire

• Limit movement within the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit the spreading of soot.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash soot off of houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change your HVAC filter, or look into hiring a professional for a duct cleaning.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent soot from traveling.

What NOT to Do After a Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water. Even if they are canned goods.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet because the wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor. Contact a professional Restoration Dry Cleaning company.

If you or anyone you know runs into smoke/soot/fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham to make it “Like it never even happened.” We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition. Call us at (508) 746-9500.

Hurricane Florence

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth / Wareham crew members preparing to dispatch for a Storm Event following Hurricane Florence.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham heads to the Carolinas in preparation for Hurricane Florence

One of our crews here at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham packed up early this morning to head down to the Carolinas in preparation for Hurricane Florence. The storm crew consisted of a Production Manager, a Crew Chief, and two highly skilled technicians. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham has been to several “Storm Events” within the last few months, but this one is anticipated to be the most catastrophic.  The crew packed up 3 SERVPRO vans and a 26-foot trailer full of generators, air movers, dehumidifiers, sub pumps, and various other necessary equipment needed to help restore damage the impending hurricane is expected to cause.

By late this evening, the Carolina coasts can expect strong winds over 80 MPH. What will be most dangerous to the Carolina residents are the storm surges. A storm surge is a coastal flood or tsunami-like phenomenon of rising water, and Hurricane Florence will be causing storm surges as high as 9 to 13 feet. According to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, “Tens of thousands of structures are expected to be flooded, and many more by rising rivers and creeks.”

Hurricane Florence is expected to hover over the Carolinas, dumping persistent rainfall and hurricane-force winds until Saturday. Florence is expected to unload approximately 10 trillion gallons of rainfall in North Carolina by the time it passes. Its center will approach the North and South Carolina coasts later tonight as well as Friday. The actual landfall will be Friday afternoon at the earliest according to Neil Jacobs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Over one million residents have been ordered to evacuate, however many residents do not want to leave their homes. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said no one will be able to save at-risk residents if they choose to ride it out. Florence is expected to dump up to 40 inches of rain. According to Duke Energy, the nation’s No. 2 power company, Florence could knock out electricity for almost one million customers in the Carolinas- and outages could last for weeks.

In preparation for these outages, our crew stocked up on necessities such as bottled water, canned goods, first aid supplies, batteries, and other essentials. We will be stopping in Delaware tonight to get rest and to see how the progression of Hurricane Florence is coming along. Our crew will make their way to the Carolina coasts as soon as it is safe to do so. Depending on the level of damage, we could be down in the Carolinas for several months. Stay tuned to our website and Social Media platforms for more coverage on this Storm Event, as well as exclusive picture and video content provided by our crew members here at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham!

Water Damage Response Tips for Property Owners

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

The crew at SERVPRO of Plymouth/ Wareham are trusted professionals, if you ever have any questions call us (508) 746-9500

Water Damage Response Tips for Property Owners

PLEASE NOTE: These tips are for clean water situations only.

1. Shut off the water source if possible, and if it can be done safely.
2. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
3. Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion covers in washing machine.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
5. Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
6. Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
7. Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
8. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
9. Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

Components of Proper Water Damage Restoration

• Fast Action
• Thorough Drying

With any leak, it’s the water you don’t see that can cause additional problems like mold, rot and damage to the value of your home. So, before you risk more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call us as well as your local plumber to help make it “Like it never even happened."

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. If you have any questions or need help to ensure your property is drying properly, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham (508) 746-9500

Our crew heads to PA for a Storm Event!

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

4 man crew from Plymouth, MA successfully takes on another Storm Event in South Hills, PA. (from left to right: Ryan, Nick, Riley and Jay)

South Hills, PA Microburst

On Saturday June 21st, South Hills in PA got hit with a microburst that caused widespread water damage in several of the local homes. One of our crews had just returned from a storm event in Maryland when we heard the news, so the boys weren’t home for long before they packed up the SERVPRO vans again for yet another storm event road trip!

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a microburst as “a violent short-lived localized downdraft that creates extreme wind shears at low altitudes and is usually associated with thunderstorms”. Microbursts are probably of the least acknowledged weather phenomena; however, they can be quite destructive. Wind speeds associated with microbursts can reach up to 100 mpg or higher and are usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter. Unlike tornadoes, microburst winds travel down and outward (and do not rotate). They usually occur during thunderstorms and come with little to no warning.

Most of the damage our crew encountered in the South Hills area was a result of sewage water flooding caused by the microburst. Sewage water is also commonly referred to as Category 3 water or black water. Black water is highly unsanitary, and is known to contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Black water damage restoration should always be handled by professionals (like us!).

In some cases, homes affected by water damage can be dried out and the materials (such as the carpets and pads) can be salvaged. When it comes to Category 3 water damages, these materials cannot be salvaged and must be torn out, bagged up, and properly disposed of. The home is then treated with anti-microbial agents to ensure harmful microorganisms are killed.

Click here to check out our Facebook, and see more content related to our Storm events, Water and Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Mitigation and more! If your home has suffered a disaster, call us today at (508) 746-9500

8 Tips for Preventing Bathroom Mold

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold in your Bathroom 

Mold thrives in damp areas, so it’s no wonder that bathrooms are a common ground for mold growth. However, there are several ways that you can help prevent it. Listed below are our 8 tips for preventing mold in your bathroom.

1. Keep your shower or bath tub dry. Using a squeegee to rid your shower of excess water after use eliminates at least three-fourths of bathroom moisture. Also, wipe down any standing water in your sink basin or bath tub to keep your bathroom nice and dry.
2. Utilize your fans. You should be running your bathroom fans during baths and showers and keep them running for about half an hour afterwards. Fans keep your bathroom dry by moving air around and reducing steam. Make sure your fan is a large enough model for the size of your bathroom. The fan volume is usually marked under the grill in CFM (cubic feet per minute).
   
   
3. Dust your bathroom weekly. Since dust is an organic material, and since mold feeds on organic materials, dusting your bathroom weekly can help prevent mold. Dusting your bathroom is also important because mold spores settle on the same surfaces dust do, so make sure to wipe down all surfaces with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth.
   
   
4. Wash shower curtain liners and bathroom rugs often. Since these items get wet every time they’re used, it’s important to wash them every few weeks. Plastic shower liners can be thrown in the washing machine with your whites, detergent and some baking soda and then air dried. Bathroom rugs can also be washed in the washing machine on a cold cycle with gentle laundry soap and then dried on the coolest heat cycle in your dryer.
   
   
5. Keep towels and bathroom robes hung up. Make sure that you hang up wet towels, robes (or even bathing suits!) right away so that they can properly dry. Even if you were planning on throwing them into the wash later, wet piles of clothing contribute to a moist humid environment- and as we learned from Tip #1, a dry bathroom is the best way to prevent mold growth.
   
   
6. Regularly check for and fix leaks. Always check for leaks in your bathroom, and if any leaks are found call your plumber. Feel around your pipes and seals for moisture. Some telltale signs of bathroom leaks are blistering paint/wallpaper, warped or stained walls, or a buckling bathroom floor.
   
   
7. Try not to keep shower products or bath toys in the shower. Although keeping your shampoos and loofahs in the shower after use is convenient, leaving these wet items in your bathroom will just keep adding to places for mold to hide. Make sure that you squeeze all of the water out of wash cloths and loofahs, and wipe bath toys dry between uses.
   
   
8. Seal your bathroom floor. If you have tiles in your bathroom, waterproof them by adding a few layers of a silicon-based grout sealer to your dry grout. It will lessen the rate at which moisture penetrates your grout, giving you a result that gets less wet and dries much faster.

The best solution to preventing mold is to kill any existing mold, and then take preventative measures like the ones listed above. If you already have mold in your bathroom (or anywhere else in your home) call us at (508) 746-9500. Our technicians have the necessary equipment and expertise to return your home back to it’s pre-mold condition.

Ellicott City Flood

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Vans loaded with equipment drive from Plymouth, MA to Ellicott City, MD.

Ellicott City Flood, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham springs to action

Several of our crew members here at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham met at our warehouse on Sunday, June 3^rd to pack up and head out to Ellicott City, MD to help with the flood damages once again. We responded to the first flood that happened July 30^th, 2016, so our crew knew what to expect.

On Sunday, May 28^th, 2018 Ellicott City was hit by another major flood. Nearly 8 inches of rain fall fell in a matter of hours (approximately two months’ worth of rain).  Both the county executive and governor had declared the downtown area as in a state of emergency. Gas and electric had been shut off so power lines and gas mains could be assessed. An incident management team of 60 people provided assistance to the people of Howard County and Ellicott City. Those who were in need of emergency lodging were told of several local churches locations that were offering shelter. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said he was both devastated and heartbroken at a press conference that Sunday night.

Main Street in Ellicott City had been in a state of rebuilding since the 2016 flood. Governor Larry Hogan said at the Sunday press conference that “[The flood] is as bad or worse than the storm two years ago”. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said “… this is worse than July 30^th, 2016”. Preliminary reports indicated that Sunday’s rainfall exceeded that of the flood two years ago. In 2016 Meteorologists dismissed the flood as a “1-in-1,000 year rain event”.

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is currently in Maryland servicing Ellicott City, Catonsville, Baltimore and Laurel. We are working our hardest to help these residents restore their homes back to their pre-storm conditions.

10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

10 Tips To Prepare for Hurricane Season 2018

Preparing your Plymouth/Wareham Home for Hurricane Season

In a little over a week it will be hurricane season yet again. Last hurricane season was predicted to be “above-normal”, with major hurricanes like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma proving that prediction true. This year’s hurricane prediction hasn’t yet been announced by the Climate Prediction Center. However, if this season is anything like last season, we are hoping these tips on preparing your home for hurricane season will come in handy.

10 TIPS ON PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR HURRICANE SEASON

1. Make sure your insurance policy will cover the full cost of rebuilding your home if it is destroyed during a storm.
2. Consider getting flood insurance. Floods often follow a storm- and many homeowner insurance policies do not cover them.
3. Take an inventory of your property, so that in the event of a storm you know exactly what you need to replace and how much it’s worth.
4. Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs surrounding your home
5. Retrofit your roof and seal all windows and doors so that they are secure. Consider adding roof straps if you have access to your roof via an attic
6. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and make sure you clear any clogged areas to prevent any water damage
7. Install a vertical garage door brace into your existing garage door so that it doesn’t blow in during a storm
8. Make sure not to leave any furniture outside that could be picked up by strong winds and transformed into a projectile (such as patio furniture, grills, decorations etc.)
9. Consider purchasing a portable generator for use during power outages
10. Look into building a FEMA safe room for your property, click here for more info!

As football player Jack Youngblood once said, “Good luck is a residue of preparation”. If by chance you aren’t so lucky this hurricane season, give SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham a call. We can help restore your property back to it’s pre-storm condition. Give us a call at (508) 746-9500

Restoring a Bridgewater Home After a Fire

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Look how clean the team at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham got this carpet after a fire damage!

Restoring a Bridgewater Home After a Fire

This fire damage in a Bridgewater home required a top to bottom cleaning, so the homeowners called SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham! Our crew used chem sponges to clean all surfaces, including ceilings, walls and floors. We also placed air scrubbers, which capture the contaminated air and produce clean non-contaminated air, throughout the home. Air scrubbers help control the odor left behind from a fire damage as well. In this photo, you will see how hard our crew worked to get the soot out from the carpet. We communicate with the homeowner and make sure all needs are met and all questions are answered. As you can see, the team at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham helped restore this Bridgewater home to a wonderful condition! If you have damage from fire, smoke or soot in your home- Call us today! (508) 746-9500

It's Almost Hurricane Season!

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

HURRICANE SEASON 2018 STARTS JUNE 1ST!

Hurricane Season 2018

Hurricane season is almost here. Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1^st, with peak activity starting to happen in Mid-August. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with high sustained wind speeds of at least 39 mph. There are 5 Categories of hurricanes which are based off those sustained wind speeds. Once a hurricane reaches 74-95mph, it is considered a Category 1. Here is a list of the 5 Categories of hurricanes and the sustained wind speeds associated with them.

• Category 1 (74-95 mph)
• Category 2 (96-110 mph)
• Category 3 (111-129 mph)
• Category 4 (130-156 mph)
• Category 5 (157mph or higher)

The Climate Prediction Center has 3 classifications for hurricane seasons based on the number of tropical storms and hurricanes. Here are the 3 classifications:

• Below-normal: between 4 and 9 tropical storms and between 2 to 4 hurricanes
• Near-normal: between 10 to 15 tropical storms and between 4 and 9 hurricanes
• Above-normal: between 12 and 28 tropical storms and between 7 and 15 hurricanes

Hurricane season 2017 was above-normal with 17 named storms, 10 of which became hurricanes (with six of those reaching major hurricane status). The Climate Prediction Center releases its hurricane season forecast at the end of May each year- so keep your eyes peeled!

No matter what the Climate Prediction Center forecasts this year, you should always be prepared during hurricane season. If disaster does strike- SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham responds immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Top-to-Bottom Cleaning in Wareham

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

The wonderful condition our crew returned this Wareham restaurant back too, as well as their glowing testimonial.

Deep Cleaning a Wareham Restaurant

Sometimes, your business just needs a deep top-to-bottom cleaning done by professionals. We have specialized training in time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. We can help return your business to it’s pristine condition- and we’re sure your customers will notice the difference. We pay attention to detail and make sure we meet all your expectations.

When this Wareham restaurant needed a deep cleaning, they knew to call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham. Our crew went in with the necessary equipment and knowledge to get this restaurant looking like new. They were so pleased with our services, they wrote a great testimonial on their Certificate of Satisfaction. In this picture to the right, you will see the wonderful condition we restored this Wareham restaurant back too. Don’t forget to read their testimonial highlighted in yellow!

If your restaurant or business needs a deep top-to-bottom cleaning, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham today! (508) 746-9500

The Causes of Water Damage in your Attic

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water and moisture in your attic left unmitigated can turn into a costly repair process and a breeding ground for mold.

Causes of Water Damage in your Attic

Water and moisture in your attic left unmitigated can turn into a costly repair process, not to mention the risk of mold growth. To stop water damage in your attic, you must first know what causes moisture in the first place. Some common causes of moisture in your attic are:

Roof Leaks: roof leaks are a common cause of water getting into your attic. Check the wood and insulation for discolorations or mold growth. Make sure you inspect the roof for cracks and leaks. Also, be sure to check in the area around the plumbing stacks as well as your downlight canisters for any rust or corrosion- which is a sign that there might be moisture.

Improper Insulation in the Attic: Always make sure the insulation in your attic floor and around your heating ducts are in good shape. Insulation should be thick, soft and dry- otherwise it can create high moisture conditions. If your insulation looks thin and wet, replace it immediately. If your attic is improperly insulated in the winter time, ice dams could form on the edges of your roof that could cause water damage.

Improper Ventilation in the Attic:  When you have improper ventilation in your attic, the amount of moisture increases. Condensation can build up in your attic due to warm air rising and then cooling on cold surfaces. If your attic doesn’t have suitable ventilation, that condensation can’t escape. Also, be sure that the openings of your vents aren’t blocked by insulation.

Improper Ventilation of Appliances: Always be sure to properly ventilate your appliances. Vents in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room should always blow air outside as appose to in the attic.

Attic Appliance Failures: Be sure to always check the appliances in your attic whenever you do an inspection. This includes air conditioners, swamp coolers and HVAC systems. If any of your appliances fail they may cause water damage in your attic.

If you see any mold or water damage in your attic, SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham is here to help. We have highly trained water restoration and mold remediation technicians available 24/7; ready to restore your home back to its pre-mold and pre-water damage condition.

Call us Today! (508) 746-9500

Commercial Property Maintenance Tips

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

With a properly maintained business, you can create lasting impressions that will bring new customers through word of mouth

Commercial Property Maintenance Tips

There are a lot of benefits proper facility maintenance can bring to a business. With a properly maintained business, you can create lasting impressions that will bring new customers through word of mouth. Always keep your business looking clean, organized and inviting. Remember that first impressions start the minute the customer gets out of their car. Here are some things to look out for when maintaining your property or business:

• The Exterior of your Building: Speaking of first impressions, the maintenance of your building’s exterior will speak volumes to new customers. Make sure that everything on the outside of your business is repaired or replaced if need be. Don’t forget to pay attention to the landscaping as well.

• The Interior of your Building: Once you’ve attracted the customer TO your business, having a clean interior will help keep them in the doors. Look for things that might need repairs or touch ups- and fix them. Always keep the interior of your business clean. Regularly dust, vacuum and maintain any appliances. Keep any bathrooms looking spotless and hygienic.

• The Details: Don’t forget about the little things, like making sure the light fixtures are dusted or the bathroom soap is refilled. Customer’s will notice and appreciate the attention to detail. Making sure your business has an inviting scent never hurts.

• Utilities: Regularly check and maintain your utilities. This includes air conditioning units, water heaters and any other utilities your business depends on. There is nothing worse than having one of your utilities go during business hours. Maintain a comfortable atmosphere for both customers and employees.

Not only does maintaining your property attract customers, but it also preserves its value. If you feel like you may have fallen behind on the maintenance of your business, or you just want a deep cleaning to bring back it’s appeal- Call SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham! (508) 746-9500

Mold Vs. Mildew

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Both mold and mildew can be found in your home. So, what’s the difference? We’ll tell you.

Mold Vs Mildew

Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that can thrive in any moist environment. Both mold and mildew can be found in your home. So, what’s the difference? We’ll tell you:

Mildew:

Mildew is just mold in it’s early stages. Mildew can vary in color, although it is usually black, brown, yellow or white. Mildew is often described as appearing flat or dusty. Mildew typically lies on the surface of a wet or moist area. It is usually easily combatted when treated with the right cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Mildew is generally not as big of a concern as mold.

Mold:

Mold in your home is more of a concern than mildew. Mold grows in colonies and can start to form on a damp surface after 24-48 hours. Mold is usually green black or white and is described to look thick and fuzzy or slimy. Mold attaches to affected materials with microscopic filaments that penetrate deep beneath the surface. Mold can also survive in extreme conditions, making it so that it can quickly affect large areas of your property. Mold can ruin any surface it settles upon, which can result in permanent damage. Mold cannot be as easily rid of as mildew can, and it should be treated by a professional ASAP.

Preventing Mold and Mildew:

The best way to prevent mold and mildew growth is to keep your home dry and moisture-free. Also, maintain a humidity level of about 40-50% in your home. Keep air ducts clean and maintained, have your heating and cooling system inspected regularly, and unsure good air circulation inside of your home. Make sure there are no leaks in the bathroom, kitchen etc. To prevent mildew infestation, remove mildew affected plants from your home.

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

If you suspect mold, call us today at (508) 746-9500

Conditions in Plymouth/Wareham Might Be Right for Mold

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham knows what to do if mold grows in your home.

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

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

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

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

If you suspect mold, call us today at (508) 746-9500

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for mold remediation services.

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 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 Plymouth/Wareham

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 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.

Our Other Certifiations:

• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

When Storms or Floods hit the Plymouth/Wareham area, SERVPRO is ready!

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Plymouth/Wareham

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When a storm hits, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (508) 746-9500

Does Your Plymouth/Wareham Home Have A Mold Problem?

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

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 –(508) 746-9500

For Immediate Service in Plymouth/Wareham, Call SERVPRO

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Plymouth/Wareham Residents: We provide immediate service day or night! 

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

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (508)746-9500

Residential Services

Whether your Plymouth/Wareham home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

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

Plymouth/Wareham 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in the Plymouth/Wareham area.

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

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham 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 Plymouth/Wareham

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today – (508) 746-9500

Faster to your Plymouth/Wareham Water Damage Event

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in the Plymouth/Wareham area.

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (508) 746-9500

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.

Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

Furniture begins to swell and crack.

Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

Metal begins to rust and corrode.

Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

Paint begins to blister.

Wood flooring swells and warps.

Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham

SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham 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.

Plymouth/Wareham Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/20/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

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

Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham 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 – 508-746-9500

Detecting Water Damage In Your Home in Plymouth/Wareham

4/15/2017 (Permalink)

Tips That Detect Water Damage In Your Home
For residential homes in the US, the national average of water wasted is 10,000 gallons of water per year, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water damage is caused by undetected plumbing leaks. Overall, water damage repairs contribute to a substantial amount of loss of property if the proper steps are not put into place to remedy the damages in a timely fashion. So how do you know if your plumbing is in danger of water damage due to an undetected plumbing leak?

TIP 1. VISIBLE WATER
The most obvious sign to look for that indicates a leak and water damage is if you can visibly see the water and it is pooled in an area. Visible water collecting in any area can cause water damage that requires immediate attention before a larger problem incurs.

TIP 2. STRANGE SOUNDS
Some water damage can go on undetected by your eyes which is why it is important to pay attention to what you hear. Any out of the ordinary sounds may indicate a leak, including dripping water, rushing water, and creaking or bowing floorboards. This is caused by the destructive processes of rotting of wood, growth, rusting of steel, and materials like plywood delaminating.

TIP 3. ODD SMELLS
Water leaks can hide in your home silently and hidden from plain sight, so using your sense of smell can help you determine any problems to your internal plumbing. A big clue to hidden moisture is investigating any distinct musk scented odors. These can usually be noticed without any aid from tools.

TIP 4. COLD ENVIRONMENT & DAMP SPOTS
A home can often be affected by damp walls, from water and moisture collecting over time. This in turn may cause your home to feel cold. This is due to damp spots that cause heat to be drawn out of the walls.

TIP 5. DISCOLORATION & MOLD
Other visible indications of water damage or pipe leaks in your plumbing are any discoloration in the drywall as well as streaks that appear to look like water spilled (this can point to an overflowing gutter). Finding mold or mildew collecting during an inspection around your home, which also causes a strong musty odor is a sure way to detect water damages caused by a leak.

Specialists at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham, an industry leading company who specialize in restoration services for damages caused by water, fire, mold, and storms, have determined the best course of action for detecting water damage before they happen.

Water Damage Restoration Process After a Flood

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

When your home or business gets flooded from a storm what are the steps you need to take to get your property back in shape?

Flood damage caused by man-made or natural disasters are an unavoidable tragedy that often leave business owners of commercial property in a state of despair and loss of assets. The most common types of flooding are usually unexpected and cause major water damage include flash flooding, coastal flooding, engineering issues, overbank flooding, and ice jam flooding, to name a few.

Following a disaster caused by rising and standing flood waters, companies that offer water damage restoration services are needed to determine the proper procedures of returning the affected commercial properties to their original state. The steps of those procedures can include (but are not limited to) the following:

Step 1. Inspecting the Damage The first steps to restore flood damages caused by water is to perform a loss assessment and evaluation of affected materials of the property affected. This inspection is performed by using specialized water detecting equipment such as infrared tools, probes, and other water sensing devices.

Step 2. Water Extraction The second step to repairing flood water damage is to remove and dry any existing water or moisture that is either standing or causing an area to remain damp. Failing to remove water can lead to mold build up as well as further damage to structural materials. This step is the most critical as the longer the water remains in the structure, the higher the damage there will be to clean up and repair.

Step 3. Clean Damages The third step to restoring a structure after a flood would be to sanitize and deodorize the damaged areas. This step is completed by using equipment such as air movers, dehumidifiers, wood floor drying systems, carpet vacuum cleaners, and sub-floor drying systems. Flood water can contain contaminants and sewage backup which poses a risk to the health of individuals if not appropriately removed.

Step 4. Rebuild Structures The last step to restoring property after flood damages have incurred is to assess the remaining structure after it has been properly dried and cleans and finally make necessary repairs for rebuilding any lost structural integrity to its former appearance and quality.

Some other methods to think about in preventing water damage that may occur in the future would be to replace the previous materials (such as carpet, wood floors, and walls) with fast drying materials that include stone and concrete. Building the structure at a higher elevation and installing electrical systems to be at a higher elevation is also an option to preventing as much damage to property.

What Makes SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham Great?

2/5/2016 (Permalink)

What makes SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham great? It's Our Team!

^Click the link above to learn more about our company!

Volunteering for the Nathan Hale Foundation

1/5/2016 (Permalink)

A thank you letter from Christopher Hart, for the volunteering our technicians provided

Our technicians dedicated their time to volunteer for the Nathan Hale Foundation, by providing cleaning services at the Three Harts Farm Veterans Growing Opportunities.

Fire Damage - Kingston, MA. 02364

10/10/2014 (Permalink)

Fire Damage caused by a wood stove - Kingston, MA. 02364

This fire damage in Kingston required a top to bottom cleaning. We used chem sponges to clean all surfaces, including ceilings, walls and floors. We placed an air scrubber, which captures the contaminated air and produces clean non-contaminated air. The air scrubber helps control the odor left behind from a fire damage.

Customer's Comments: "Tony is a great employee and floor supervisor"

Fire Damage - Wareham, Ma. 02571

10/10/2014 (Permalink)

Fire Restoration - Fire Damage - Wareham, Ma. 02571 - Grease Fire - Kitchen Fire

This fire damage in Wareham MA occurred from a grease fire in the kitchen. This loss required a top to bottom cleaning. We used chem sponges to wipe down all surfaces including ceilings, walls and floors.

Customer's Comments: "Very professional team of men. Ron was extremely helpful and informative, also Tony - very helpful + polite."

To learn more about our Fire Restoration services go to: http://www.SERVPROplymouthwareham.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

Duct Cleaning - Wareham, MA. 02571

10/10/2014 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning - Wareham, MA. 02571

You never know what may be in your ducts! This duct cleaning in Wareham MA had a total of 10 registers (vents) and 2 returns. We used our Nikro Duct Cleaning System, which left the ducts completely cleaned! The customer rated our services with perfect 10's.

To learn more about our Duct Cleaning services please visit: SERVPRO - Duct Cleaning

Water Damage - Plympton, MA. 02367

10/10/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage - Plympton, MA. 02367 - Trapped Water - Pipe Leak

Water damage in Plympton, MA. This water loss had trapped water underneath the tile floor in the kitchen. We used a Rescue Mat System to dry this out. We also used Injector-Dries to dry out the cabinets in the kitchen island. Containment was used to enclose the kitchen island for this specialty drying.

Carpet Cleaning - Wareham, MA. 02571

10/9/2014 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning - Wareham, MA. 02571 - Clean, Deodorize and Scotch Guard Carpets

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham was called in to clean this customer's carpets in Wareham MA. For each carpet cleaning we perform, we clean, deodorize and scotch guard.

Customer's comments: "Absolutely professional job, thank you"

Mold Remediation - E. Wareham, MA. 02538

10/8/2014 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation - E. Wareham, MA. 02538

This was a mold remediation in E. Wareham, MA. The mold was located in the attic. We used a HEPA vacuum to remove the surface mold. We treated and sealed all of the rafters in the attic. The insulation was removed and replaced. Air scrubbers and containment were used during the remediation process. 

Customer's Comments: "Tony was very professional, courteous + thorough!"

Mold Remediation - Plymouth, MA. 02360

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation - Plymouth, MA. 02360 - Attic Mold - Mold Mitigation/Mold Removal

This was a mold remediation in Plymouth, MA. The mold was located in the attic. We treated and sealed all of the rafters in the attic. The insulation was removed and replaced. Air scrubbers and containment were used during the remediation process. 

Customer's Comments: "Excellent Job!"

Water Damage - Carver, MA 02330

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage - Carver, MA 02330 - Remove Wet Ceiling Tiles & Remove Wet Insulation

This water loss in Carver MA was caused by the washing machine. We extracted the water and lifted the carpet for drying. We used specialty-drying equipment, known as Injector-Dries, to dry the drywall in place. We removed wet celling tiles and wet insulation, as seen in the photos. This water damage was dried within 3 days.

Customer's Comments: "Tony was great! Wonderful employee"

Water Damage - Kingston, MA. 02364

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage - Kingston, MA. 02364 - Temporary Heat/Heat Wagon

This was a water loss in Kingston MA was caused by a broken pipe. We received the emergency water damage call on a Saturday in January. We responded to the customer within 5 minutes of getting the call. This loss required temporary power and heat (See Photo of Heat Wagon), which we had up and running within a few hours of arriving on-site. Our crew had to demo and remove wet drywall and wet insulation. Content manipulation and move out of contents was needed for this loss.

Customer's Comments: "Awesome job - thank you so much!"

Water Damage - Carver, MA 02330

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage - Carver, MA 02330 - Flooded - Water Restoration

This water loss occurred in Carver MA. We had to move out all of the contents to a storage trailer. We had to demo wet carpet/pad, remove wet baseboards, extract water and apply antimicrobial. We also removed wet insulation and drywall. This loss had drying equipment setup for 5 days.

Customer's Comments: "Ken, Ron, Tony, Andrew, and the other members of (SERVPRO) did a great job, and really helped us through a pretty awful time." 

Commercial Fire Damage - Carver, MA. 02330

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage - Carver, MA. 02330 - Fire Cleaning - Duct Cleaning - Deodorization

This was a commercial Fire Damage/soot cleanup at a business in Carver, MA. We were able to get in and do the complete cleanup, including cleaning of the ducts. This type of soot cleanup requires top to bottom cleaning of all walls, ceilings, floors, and contents. We also used a thermal fog to deodorize. We had the business up and running within 1 day.

Customer's Comments: "Excellent service, very professional, no recommendations for improvement." 

Water Damage - Plymouth, MA 02360

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Content Move Out in Plymouth, MA 02360

Water damage and content move out in Plymouth, MA.

The customer's contents were inventoried with a software we use known as Assured PackOut. The contents were brought back to a climate controlled storage unit in our warehouse. We had to demo and remove wet baseboard, wet carpet and wet carpet pad. The structure was dried in 3 days. We returned the customer's contents when they called one week later.

Customer's Comments: "The crew was awesome + courteous!" 

Fire Damage & Duct Cleaning - Plymouth, MA. 02360

9/30/2014 (Permalink)

Fire Damage & Duct Cleaning - Plymouth, MA. 02360

After a fire damage occurred at this customer's home in Plymouth MA, SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham a duct cleaning was performed. The structure was cleaned from top to bottom. This included all ceilings, walls and floors. Upholstery cleaning was performed on all fabric furniture. Also, all carpets were cleaned and deodorized. All contents were cleaned and put back.

Water Damage - Kingston, MA. 02364

9/30/2014 (Permalink)

Specialty drying equipment (Injector-Dry) used to minimize demolition for water damage - Kingston, MA. 02364.

After hours emergency services call for a water damage in Kinston, MA. This loss required demolition and removal of wet baseboard and wet carpet/carpet pad. Drywall was saved by drilling holes and using specialty drying equipment, known as Injector-Dries. Antimicrobial was applied and drying equipment was placed for 3 days.

Water Damage - Centerville, MA. 02632

9/30/2014 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement - After Hours Water Damage in Centerville, MA.

After Hours Water Damage in Centerville, MA. This loss required water extraction and the demolition and removal of wet baseboard, wet carpet and wet carpet pad. We demoed wet drywall in one room, but were able to save drywall in all other rooms by using specialty-drying equipment. Antimicrobial was applied and drying equipment was placed for a total of 3 days. 

The customer's comments were "Alan + his team were the ultimate professionals."

Duct Cleaning - Weymouth, MA 02188

9/19/2014 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning - Weymouth, MA 02188

You never know what may be in your ductwork! Check out the before and after images at this customer's home in Weymouth, MA. Our Nikro SL4000 Duct Cleaning System left this customer's ductwork spotless!

Water Damage - Halifax, MA. 02338

9/19/2014 (Permalink)

Bathroom Pipe - Water Damage - Halifax, MA. 02338

A bursted bathroom pipe leaked from this customer's second floor, affecting rooms throughout the home, all the way down to the basement. We extracted water, setup drying equipment, and had the customer's home restored in just 4 days. The customer's comments were, "My wife + I were very very happy with SERVPRO + the team members assigned to the job."

Carpet Cleaning - Plymouth, MA. 02360

9/19/2014 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning - Plymouth, MA. 02360

Need a carpet cleaning? We've got you covered! We clean, deodorize and scotch guard carpets, leaving them looking brand new! Check out these before and after photos for this carpet cleaning in Plymouth, MA. And see what our customer had to say! 

Water Damage - New Bedford, MA 02745

9/18/2014 (Permalink)

Water Damage - New Bedford, MA 02745 - Flooded Basement caused by hot water heater.

After a water heater flooded this customer's basement, SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham was called in to respond to the damage. SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham removed and cleaned all of the contents in the basement. Then, drying equipment was setup to dry the structure. The basement was restored in 3 days.

The customer's comments were "All team members competent and caring. Tony took extra time to explain the process + re-assure me."

Fire Damage - Hingham, MA. 02043

9/17/2014 (Permalink)

Candle Fire - Hingham, MA.

A candle fire caused this customer's home in Hingham, MA. To be covered in soot. The images show the drastic change from before to after. The customer's comments were, "Phenomenal service! Wow! Tony was extremely professional and a great communicator"

Fire Damage - Bridgewater, MA 02324

9/16/2014 (Permalink)

Oven Fire - Fire Damage - Bridgewater MA 02324

An oven fire in Bridgewater, MA left this customer's entire home covered in a sooty film. SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham cleaned the home from top to bottom. The customer's remarks on our survey were: "From start to finish everything was excellent".

Water Damage - Onset, MA 02558

9/16/2014 (Permalink)

Onset, MA Water Damage - Extracting water from crawlspace.

A hot water heater let, causing this customer's crawlspace to sustain an excessive amount of water. SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham was called in to handle the situation. We extracted the water, setup air movers, and had the crawlspace restored in 3 days. The customer rated our services with perfect 10's!

We've moved!

7/25/2014 (Permalink)

Ready for action

We are now located at 198 South Meadow Rd, Plymouth MA. Walk-ins are always welcomed, so stop by and check out our new location!

Eastern Bank - Commercial

5/27/2014 (Permalink)

Click the following link to view Eastern Bank's Small Business Series commercial featuring SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham. Eastern Bank - Small Business Series

LOCAL VETERANS PROGRAM; DONATIONS!

11/7/2013 (Permalink)

Service for Servicemen!

We’re proud to say that we’ve donated a total of $15,200 to our Local Veterans Program, in one year!

The money donated has been used for rent deposits, food, gift cards, assistance in finding employment and much more!

We are extending the program through the year of 2014 in hopes that we may help many more Veterans!

LOCAL VETERANS PROGRAM!

7/30/2013 (Permalink)

Service for Servicemen

Here's a letter we received for the donations we've been making!


Our veterans mean a great deal to us. Therefore, any job "big or small", that SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham conducts from November 1, 2012 through November 1, 2013, $50.00 will be donated to the "Local Vet Program".

A $100.00 donation will be made to the "Local Vet Program" if our customer mentions the "Local Vet Program" when they set the appointment.

A $250.00 donation will be made to the "Local Vet Program" if an Insurance Agency, Insurance Adjuster, Property Manager, and/or a Real Estate Agent/Realtor make the referral.


If you wish to inquire more information about our "Local Vet Program" please feel free to contact us in the office or via e-mail!